Happening @ SMUSH: Monthly Crafting Circle, hosted by JC Crafting Circle
July 2 | 6:30-9pm
Free!
Website | JC Crafting Circle IG

Bring your crafts and join the JC Crafting Circle for an afternoon of crafting, tunes, snacks, and nice people. Extra supplies provided.
Email jccraftingcircle@gmail.com for accessibility needs.

Summer Arts Residencies: Meredith Gill Hemphill, Painting

Come see Meredith’s work!
Visual Art Opening on Fri 7/10 at 6p | Free

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I plan to merge my interest in the psychological and emotionally evocative in paintings that explore a person's multifaceted nature with figuration, and abstraction through the universal symbol of the circle. Circles symbolize to me an individual, a life, the universe, a cell, completion and change. I plan to employ a variety of media and mediums - acrylic and oil on wood and canvas, and collage. In everything I paint, I’m drawn to the simple yet emotionally complex, odd and characterful, and to shifting perspectives, moving between microscopic and aerial views.”

Meredith is a therapist and artist currently enrolled in New York Studio School's certificate program in Fine Arts.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @meredithartpad | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Meredith Gill Hemphill, Painting

Come see Meredith’s work!
Visual Art Opening on Fri 7/10 at 6p | Free

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I plan to merge my interest in the psychological and emotionally evocative in paintings that explore a person's multifaceted nature with figuration, and abstraction through the universal symbol of the circle. Circles symbolize to me an individual, a life, the universe, a cell, completion and change. I plan to employ a variety of media and mediums - acrylic and oil on wood and canvas, and collage. In everything I paint, I’m drawn to the simple yet emotionally complex, odd and characterful, and to shifting perspectives, moving between microscopic and aerial views.”

Meredith is a therapist and artist currently enrolled in New York Studio School's certificate program in Fine Arts.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @meredithartpad | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Katelyn Halpern, Multidisciplinary

Come see Katelyn’s work!
Open House on Saturday, July 18 at 6:30p | Free

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I’ll be using my time in this familiar space to sift through the archives of my work over the last ten years, and to map the emergent trajectories. Inevitably, I will also dance, write, and lie on the floor, and probably find myself working on an as-yet-unknown project, as I am wont to do.”

Katelyn is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in contemporary choreography and performance, writing, installation, and DIY media. She lives in Jersey City, where she serves as founding artistic director of SMUSH Gallery.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @katelynhalperndotcom | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Dancing in the Park
OFFSITE @ Washington Park
July 17 | 7p
Free!

Grab a blanket and a cooler and come out to Washington Park on Wed. July 15 for some hot and fresh dance! We are so pleased to bring you the third annual FREE Dancing In The Park concert, featuring choreography from eight wonderful local dance artists:
morgaine ann de leonardis | @morgishborgg
Sarah Liebau | @_esssss_l
Kat Reese | @kat.reese
Rosalia Saver | @r._osalia
Amber Sloan | @ambersloan.nyc
Diana Uribe | @du.youmove
Mamiko Usuda | @mamikousuda
Meagan Woods | @meaganawoods

Produced by Washington Park Association of Hudson County and SMUSH Gallery

Summer Arts Residencies: Katelyn Halpern, Multidisciplinary

Come see Katelyn’s work!
Open House on Saturday, July 18 at 6:30p | Free

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I’ll be using my time in this familiar space to sift through the archives of my work over the last ten years, and to map the emergent trajectories. Inevitably, I will also dance, write, and lie on the floor, and probably find myself working on an as-yet-unknown project, as I am wont to do.”

Katelyn is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in contemporary choreography and performance, writing, installation, and DIY media. She lives in Jersey City, where she serves as founding artistic director of SMUSH Gallery.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @katelynhalperndotcom | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Aurelia Luciano, Poetry & Visual Art

Come see Aurelia’s work and share space with them!
The Golden Open: Two days of shared residency time for creators & artists, collaborators, and event producers | Free
Monday 7/20 3-8:30p | Open for All creators
Friday 7/24 12-8p | Open for Queer creators

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I am hoping to experiment with poems on a larger scale using letter stencils and collaging. My work is begging to be formed into something new, larger and while unsure of how that might look, I am open to expressing myself in ways that I haven't yet tried. I will also use this residency time to become more intimate with the writing process that will assist me in bringing my debut poetry book to completion. With lack of dedicated studio space & time, it feels difficult to find motivation to create at the scale I imagine. I can’t wait to play in this space that I call my home away from home.”

Aurelia is a queer, Afro-Latinx, & gender fluid Jersey City native. They are a poet & visual artist who likes to explore the written word with collage, text font, watercolor, and more.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @goldenlightpoetry

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Aurelia Luciano, Poetry & Visual Art

Come see Aurelia’s work and share space with them!
The Golden Open: Two days of shared residency time for creators & artists, collaborators, and event producers | Free
Monday 7/20 3-8:30p | Open for All creators
Friday 7/24 12-8p | Open for Queer creators

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I am hoping to experiment with poems on a larger scale using letter stencils and collaging. My work is begging to be formed into something new, larger and while unsure of how that might look, I am open to expressing myself in ways that I haven't yet tried. I will also use this residency time to become more intimate with the writing process that will assist me in bringing my debut poetry book to completion. With lack of dedicated studio space & time, it feels difficult to find motivation to create at the scale I imagine. I can’t wait to play in this space that I call my home away from home.”

Aurelia is a queer, Afro-Latinx, & gender fluid Jersey City native. They are a poet & visual artist who likes to explore the written word with collage, text font, watercolor, and more.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @goldenlightpoetry

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Aurelia Luciano, Poetry & Visual Art

Come see Aurelia’s work and share space with them!
The Golden Open: Two days of shared residency time for creators & artists, collaborators, and event producers | Free
Monday 7/20 3-8:30p | Open for All creators
Friday 7/24 12-8p | Open for Queer creators

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I am hoping to experiment with poems on a larger scale using letter stencils and collaging. My work is begging to be formed into something new, larger and while unsure of how that might look, I am open to expressing myself in ways that I haven't yet tried. I will also use this residency time to become more intimate with the writing process that will assist me in bringing my debut poetry book to completion. With lack of dedicated studio space & time, it feels difficult to find motivation to create at the scale I imagine. I can’t wait to play in this space that I call my home away from home.”

Aurelia is a queer, Afro-Latinx, & gender fluid Jersey City native. They are a poet & visual artist who likes to explore the written word with collage, text font, watercolor, and more.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @goldenlightpoetry

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Happening @ SMUSH: Monthly Crafting Circle, hosted by JC Crafting Circle
August 4 | 6:30-9pm
Free!
Website | JC Crafting Circle IG

Bring your crafts and join the JC Crafting Circle for an afternoon of crafting, tunes, snacks, and nice people. Extra supplies provided.
Email jccraftingcircle@gmail.com for accessibility needs.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Marcus Emel, Poetry & Installation

Come see Marcus’ work and be a part of the experience! All events are free and open to the public.

GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming
Public Installation + Open Gallery Hours
August 10–16 | Daily, 2-7p
Visitors are invited to move through the installation during open gallery hours and engage with interactive components, including “Failures Anonymous,” an evolving participatory archive that will grow throughout the week.

Live Reading + Performance Activation
Saturday, August 15
7- 8:30p
The performance will feature a live reading of selected works from GRIT, audience engagement, and participatory elements connected to the themes of the installation.

Closing Gallery Day
Sunday, August 16, 2026
2-7p
Visitors are invited to experience the completed installation during the final day of public viewing hours.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “During the residency, I will be developing GRIT: A Living Archive of Becoming, an installation based on my poetry collection GRIT. This project is an experiment for me. I am exploring how poetry, sound, conversation, audience interaction, and physical space can work together to create a more immersive experience rooted in intimacy, secrecy, transformation, and self reflection.

A central part of the installation is ‘Failures Anonymous,’ an interactive piece where visitors can anonymously contribute personal reflections that become part of the work over time. I am interested in how participation changes the meaning of the piece and how poetry can help create space for honesty, conversation, connection, and community.”

As a multidisciplinary artist and poet, Marcus’ practice has lived on the page, at open mics, in performance, or through digital storytelling and social media and begins with lived experience and writing.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @iammarcusemel #IGBFH 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Rachel Murdy, Performance & Song

Come experience Rachel’s work!

GOMO and TAYLOR: the ghost and Ms. Swift 
Doors open 7p | Thurs 8/20
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com 

I HATE MUSICALS: characters singing solo
Doors open 7p | Sat 8/29
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I will first develop a show with musician Matthew Milligan, vocalist Berit Johnson and dramaturg Denise King. It will star my alter-ego GOMO the ghost. GOMO has spent his afterlife thus far learning how to be the best posthumous musical entertainer he can from luminaries of popular American music. He has dedicated himself to a musical education performing the songs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen. This Summer he takes on the work of super-star Taylor Swift accompanied by his long-time earthly guitarist Double M 2000 and new assistant (and Swifty) Denise King. GOMO will present a workshop production of a Taylor Swift tribute show at SMUSH Gallery. Ms.Taylor Alison Swift will appear and perform with him.

Then for the rest of my residency, I will work on another musical-character project assisted by longtime creative collaborator and vocalist Margi Sharp Douglas and new collaborator and singer Claire Donnelly. As a devotee of  SMUSH’s WORK/SHARE I have created dozens of 3 to 4 minute videos or live-on-Zoom presentations of songs sung by characters I have created. Part 2 of my SMUSH Artist-Residency 2026 will be an opportunity to work on a half a dozen or so brand new singing-portraits myself and feature Margi and Claire in a portrait a piece with my curation and direction. The work will culminate in a live performance at the gallery.”

This habituated and enriching stage performer, director, singer, and character actress has considered SMUSH an artistic-home since 2017. Murdy is often seen with her equally iconic Chihuahua, Bibi.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @rachelbmurdy @gomotheghost @rachelmurdyandbibi | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Rachel Murdy, Performance & Song

Come experience Rachel’s work!

GOMO and TAYLOR: the ghost and Ms. Swift 
Doors open 7p | Thurs 8/20
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com 

I HATE MUSICALS: characters singing solo
Doors open 7p | Sat 8/29
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I will first develop a show with musician Matthew Milligan, vocalist Berit Johnson and dramaturg Denise King. It will star my alter-ego GOMO the ghost. GOMO has spent his afterlife thus far learning how to be the best posthumous musical entertainer he can from luminaries of popular American music. He has dedicated himself to a musical education performing the songs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen. This Summer he takes on the work of super-star Taylor Swift accompanied by his long-time earthly guitarist Double M 2000 and new assistant (and Swifty) Denise King. GOMO will present a workshop production of a Taylor Swift tribute show at SMUSH Gallery. Ms.Taylor Alison Swift will appear and perform with him.

Then for the rest of my residency, I will work on another musical-character project assisted by longtime creative collaborator and vocalist Margi Sharp Douglas and new collaborator and singer Claire Donnelly. As a devotee of  SMUSH’s WORK/SHARE I have created dozens of 3 to 4 minute videos or live-on-Zoom presentations of songs sung by characters I have created. Part 2 of my SMUSH Artist-Residency 2026 will be an opportunity to work on a half a dozen or so brand new singing-portraits myself and feature Margi and Claire in a portrait a piece with my curation and direction. The work will culminate in a live performance at the gallery.”

This habituated and enriching stage performer, director, singer, and character actress has considered SMUSH an artistic-home since 2017. Murdy is often seen with her equally iconic Chihuahua, Bibi.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @rachelbmurdy @gomotheghost @rachelmurdyandbibi | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.

Summer Arts Residencies: Rachel Murdy, Performance & Song

Come experience Rachel’s work!

GOMO and TAYLOR: the ghost and Ms. Swift 
Doors open 7p | Thurs 8/20
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com 

I HATE MUSICALS: characters singing solo
Doors open 7p | Sat 8/29
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation 
Refreshments will be served 
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I will first develop a show with musician Matthew Milligan, vocalist Berit Johnson and dramaturg Denise King. It will star my alter-ego GOMO the ghost. GOMO has spent his afterlife thus far learning how to be the best posthumous musical entertainer he can from luminaries of popular American music. He has dedicated himself to a musical education performing the songs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen. This Summer he takes on the work of super-star Taylor Swift accompanied by his long-time earthly guitarist Double M 2000 and new assistant (and Swifty) Denise King. GOMO will present a workshop production of a Taylor Swift tribute show at SMUSH Gallery. Ms.Taylor Alison Swift will appear and perform with him.

Then for the rest of my residency, I will work on another musical-character project assisted by longtime creative collaborator and vocalist Margi Sharp Douglas and new collaborator and singer Claire Donnelly. As a devotee of  SMUSH’s WORK/SHARE I have created dozens of 3 to 4 minute videos or live-on-Zoom presentations of songs sung by characters I have created. Part 2 of my SMUSH Artist-Residency 2026 will be an opportunity to work on a half a dozen or so brand new singing-portraits myself and feature Margi and Claire in a portrait a piece with my curation and direction. The work will culminate in a live performance at the gallery.”

This habituated and enriching stage performer, director, singer, and character actress has considered SMUSH an artistic-home since 2017. Murdy is often seen with her equally iconic Chihuahua, Bibi.

Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @rachelbmurdy @gomotheghost @rachelmurdyandbibi | Website

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.