Lawndale, a nonprofit contemporary art center in Houston, has announced the artists selected for its 2026-2027 Artist Studio Program: Darla Barolini, Chayse Sampy, and Lillian Warren. They were chosen from over 100 applicants by a jury including Jeremy Johnson, Lovie Olivia, Jabari Anderson, and Dr. Margo Handwerker. The program has been modified for its 20th anniversary year, extending the term from nine to ten months, shifting from an exhibition-based model to a process-based residency, and increasing the artist stipend from $750 to $900 per month. Each artist will receive material support and 24-hour studio access from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
This announcement matters because it highlights Lawndale's commitment to supporting emerging and mid-career artists in Houston by prioritizing creative experimentation over final outcomes. The program's 20th anniversary and structural changes reflect a broader trend in artist residencies toward process-oriented support, which can foster deeper artistic exploration. The selected artists—Barolini, Sampy, and Warren—represent diverse practices in painting and mixed media, and their inclusion underscores Lawndale's role as a vital incubator for contemporary art in the region.