“It was cathartic and encouraging to chat with so many people with similar interests, backgrounds, and families, sort of living in a parallel universe (Texas) from my own in NYC. Not only did I make some new work while spending quality time with my family away from the daily life hustle, but I think I made some long distance lifelong friends as well.”

“My month at the Parts & Labor Residency was the first time in recent memory, maybe my whole life, when I was able to devote all my time to art and family.”

“This might be the most supported I’ve felt at any residency, because I didn’t need to leave my family behind. We are endlessly grateful for this opportunity and to Meaghan, Liz and Matt for their vision and hospitality.”

“All in all, I had the opportunity to make work that I believe is the beginning of a lot of other work, and I think thats the idea at Parts & Labor. Thanks 1 million times to all of the humans down there keeping things going.”

I don’t think making art and caregiving are incompatible but the total lack of structural support, in the art world and the world at large, makes it a huge challenge. We need more programs like these that keep artist parents making work.

Meg Lipke’s time at Parts & Labor led to a kind of breakthrough in the studio. . .

Melina Gac Levin reflects on her time at Parts & Labor.