It’s easy to imagine that others are floating through life on a cloud. In our modern age, we see reinforcements of this everywhere we look, from rose tinted lives on social media to the perfect homes of television advertising that convince us that everyone else is doing just fine, even when we aren’t. Listen carefully – you are doing just fine. No matter what you are going through, if you haven’t done more than get through the day – you are enough. Right now is exactly where you need to be. As an artist building a career, it can be tempting to feel like if we don’t do it all at once and get it right the first time, all is lost. But there’s a reason they call it a practice…
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts offers residencies for artists seeking focused time to refine skills, create new work, and explore their medium, inspired by the natural beauty and culture of the Ozark Mountains. Learn more at the website. Deadline is February 18.
The International Summer Program brings 20 artists to The Watermill Center for a four-week residency developing new work, collaborating across disciplines, accessing extensive collections and grounds, and culminating in a public festival. For more information, visit the website.
Bethany Arts Community seeks emerging artists (21+) for its 2026 Emerging Artist Fellowship. Two 15-week cohorts receive housing, studio space, and a $250 weekly stipend to support creative and professional growth. Check the website for further details. Deadline is February 20.
Praxis Center is in the business of nurturing artists. Part of that noble work is to remind this community that life is messy and there is no one – or right – way to get it done. Move through this with an open mind and maybe a sense of humor and you can’t go wrong.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics and is currently faculty at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. He has written seven books for artists, including Making it in the Art World. His seventh book, The Problems in the Art World: An Artist’s A-Z Action Guide, is available now.
Photo credit: Bethany Arts