Vonda Yarberry, professor of art and design, has accepted her residency to Prairie Center of the Arts in Peoria, Ill. Yarberry is on sabbatical this year to work on animations that span across multiple small-screens. Her plan was to apply to a number of artist residencies, and Prairie Center of the Arts is the first that has responded.  

Yarberry discovered this residency through the Alliance of Artists Communities. The application process consisted of making a proposal for how she will use her time and utilize the facilities at the residency and sending a sample of previous work, a record of past accomplishments and letters of recommendation.

“What I am most excited about during my time at Prairie Center is using the very large studio space to set up multiple projects at the same time to able to experience the work together as it is developing,” said Yarberry. “Seeing each work in isolation, which is how I have to work right now, makes it difficult or at least slower to realize how ideas from one piece can benefit others.”

The other benefit she is looking forward to is living and working among other artists in a really intensive manner. “I am looking forward to the feedback and exchange with these other artists to be invigorating also,” said Yarberry.

And then there’s the wind turbines, of course. “While it may seem strange to some, I have a crazy fascination for humongous wind turbines. While I’m in Peoria, I will seek an opportunity to touch a working one. I have always wanted to be THAT close to one to see what it’s like.”