Rosy Petri has been named the new artist in residence at The Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
The hotel’s annual artist in residence program, now in its 11th year, features a working, lobby-level art studio and gallery used by the artist to create and display original artworks for hotel guests and the general public.
Petri, who is a locally recognized Milwaukee-based multidisciplinary artist and owner of e-commerce retailer Paradise Home Goods, will take over that studio for one year beginning April 1.
She was selected out of a group of six finalists by members of Milwaukee’s arts community.
Petri’s work, which includes mediums such as fabric portraiture, quilt-making, photography and mixed media, is currently on display at David Barnett Gallery and 5 Points Art Gallery & Studios in Milwaukee.
“As a woman of color, I find creating art is one of the few areas in life where I can freely name, embrace, and honor my own identity,” Petri said. “During this residency, I will work to celebrate diverse backgrounds and examine the complex nature of human life and relationships. I will be transforming my studio into a collaborative and interactive experience and inviting other creators to work with me to explore the ‘myths of creation’ surrounding art and artists.”
As part of her role, she plans to create and exhibit a collection of photographs, fabric portraits and audio interviews that will depict varying perspectives of guests and other artists on her “myths of creation” theme. She will also participate in gallery nights as well as other events.
Petri succeeds current artist in residence and fashion designer, Stephanie Schultz, who will close out the year-long program with a fashion show on March 15 at the Pfister. More information about the show is available on Facebook.