Fannie Lou Hamer House, a socially just, urban oasis that is conveniently located in close vicinity to East Saint Louis & Saint Louis , is excited to announce the recipients of its 2021–22 Artist Residency Awards, including Dionne Ferguson and Jackie Masei.

Since its founding, artist residencies have been at the core of Fannie Lou Hamer House’s programs and its continuing mission to provide artists across disciplines with retreat and short term, creative stay space necessary to embrace both radical experimentation and community engagement with groundbreaking new projects. This year’s Artist Residency Award recipients in film/video, performing arts, and literary arts represent a diverse group of artists and mediums. Last year’s recipients were Eugenia Alexander and Stajah Curry.

Dionne Ferguson describes her ever evolving practice like so:

“I am in development, uncovering the art from within, allowing my artistry to develop through spiritual and life education and practices that manifest into creations to change thoughts and ideas on what it is to be humane. I create art and art experiences. I have published articles on art, culture and travel in Delux Magazine and OGJT Travel website.
A family and life inspired book on the power of Black Women is forthcoming. I create mixed media art utilizing photos, scrolls, cloth, beads, shells, paint and wood. My photography includes travel, nature and most often focuses on flowers. The YdyfN apparel line, centering nature photos, is coming soon. Art experiences I have created include curating African art exhibits, brokering the sale of art, planning art and culture centered group travel and raising thousands of dollars in support of art lessons for young
people.”

Jackie Masei, a veteran actor and theatrical producer,

is the former founding artistic Director of Playback Workshop Theatre in St. Louis.  After witnessing thousands of stories over her 30-year career Jackie now offers specialized workshops for adults to train them in the techniques of Playback Theater.  As a lifelong practitioner of Theatre for Social Change, Jackie is an expert at building community through her art.  Jackie is also working on a dystopian/sci fi film.

If you would like to support our retreat space (named for #FannieLouHamer) that centers rest and healthful living for Black artists, join our PATREON HERE.

***MADE POSSIBLE BY A GENEROUS GRANT FROM The Luminary Arts Futures Fund***