Artist Panel Discussion (free)
"Ignited by Vashon"
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, Sept 28: 2pm

Four artists share their work, creative process, and the inspirations they found through residency life. Hear why they chose Vashon, what the island sparked in their art, and how residencies fuel artistic growth.

Join participating Ignited by Vashon exhibiting artists Lauren Boilini, Samantha Kasprowicz, Cathy McClure, and Juliet Shen for a lively conversation about their art, their process, and the role residencies play in sustaining creative work. Ignited by Vashon is a showcase of 31 Vashon Artist Residency alumni, featuring more than 40 works across diverse media. This Gallery exhibition highlights the island’s enduring impact on creativity and community.

The panel will highlight each artist’s practice and inspirations, exploring why they chose to do a residency, what drew them to Vashon in particular, and how the island’s landscapes, textures, and community have shaped their work. From discussing their creative motivations to sharing insights into process and discovery, this is a chance to hear directly from the artists about how residency life can spark imagination and deepen artistic vision.

Lauren Boilini, born in Bloomington, Indiana, earned her BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute and MFA at Maryland Institute College of Art. A painter working in installation and public art, she has held residencies worldwide. She teaches at The Evergreen State College and exhibits with J. Rinehart and Museo Galleries.

British-Australian photographic artist Samantha Kasprowicz explores themes of place, identity, and ageism. After a career in graphic design, she developed her practice in photography, with her series Ripe Fruit examining women’s societal invisibility through bananas as motif. Based in Seattle, she studies at the Photographic Center Northwest.

Seattle artist Cathy McClure creates kinetic sculptures, light-filled installations, and paintings. With an MFA from the University of Washington and the Betty Bowen Award, she gained recognition through gallery representation, museum shows, and public art. Her work appears in major collections, with a 2025 solo exhibition at Traver Gallery.

Juliet Shen, New York-born and UK-trained with a Master’s in Typeface Design, has lived in Seattle since 1983. After a career running her design firm and teaching typography, she returned to painting in 2012. Her work has since been exhibited widely, including TAM, BIMA, VCA, MoNA, and Schack Art Center.

This talk is free thanks to support of the Estate of Kathi Jenkins.

See the gallery exhibition "Ignited by Vashon" online: https://bit.ly/VCAVAR2025