Arts Southeast has named Isaac McCaslin as its 2025 Incubator Artist, providing him with a studio, exhibition opportunities, and mentorship. In response to the lack of affordable live-model drawing in Savannah, McCaslin founded the Savannah Open Model Sessions. An upcoming exhibition, "Savannah Figurative," opening January 9, 2026, at Cute Tomatoes Gallery, will showcase completed works and process studies by eight artists, including McCaslin, Phil Musen, and Astoria Jellett, highlighting the importance of figure study in their practices.
This story matters because it underscores grassroots efforts to sustain traditional figurative art practices in a regional art scene. By making live-model drawing accessible and affordable, McCaslin and Arts Southeast are fostering community engagement and professional development for emerging artists in Savannah. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the preparatory studies behind finished works, emphasizing the enduring relevance of observational drawing in contemporary art.