Kiersten Latham returns to the Red Barn Studio Museum as an artist-in-residence from March 31 to April 11. Kiersten works in mixed media, clay, fiber, and found objects, creating playful and whimsical pieces.
During her residency, Kiersten will explore two projects. The first focuses on face-making, drawing inspiration from Raymer’s ‘uglies,’ suns, and other faces. “I’ve been working on clay faces on jars, pots, and tiles, and I want to see the full range of Lester’s work in person to experiment further,” Kiersten explains. In addition to clay, she will explore felt, fibers, and stitching to create unique facial forms.
The second project involves crafting miniature “cabinets”—intricate scenes made from a combination of found and handmade objects. “I wish I could go to the dump like Lester did to find materials, but I’ll search for new sources while I’m in Kansas,” Kiersten says. These small scenes may even include representations of the studio itself.
Visitors can expect to see Kiersten’s workspace filled with small, whimsical creations in progress. The residency offers a rare opportunity to witness the playful, messy, and joyful process behind her art.
Kiersten attributes much of her artistic inspiration to both Lester Raymer and her father, who was an artist known for his clever, witty work. “I recently realized how much my father’s spirit has shaped what I do,” she reflects. This residency is a chance for Kiersten to reconnect with the special place Lester created.