Muckenthaler Cultural Center

Voyage LA Article, Erin Schalk Artist Interview

Hello everyone,

As part of the artist in residency program through The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, I’ve had the opportunity to be interviewed by VoyageLA magazine. VoyageLA frequently shares articles on “hidden gems” within the greater Los Angeles area, including artists of all stripes, as well as independent business owners.

Here’s a link to the article: Check Out Erin Schalk’s Story.

Here’s a preview of the interview (full article available in the link above):

“Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Schalk.

Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My entire life has been what I call “semi-nomadic,” meaning I’ve found myself living across the continental United States, as well as in Okinawa, Japan. In my early twenties, my world shifted drastically in both wonderful and terrifying ways. I found myself married to the love of my life but also sent across the country, far from family and the home I had known. And each year, my husband was being sent away again and again — oftentimes overseas. Life would continue to catapult me far outside of my comfort zone, stretching me well beyond the tools that I had at my disposal. Art and restorative writing became two of my key coping strategies, providing generous places to process the full spectrum of emotions and fears. In time, I began to feel a magnetic pull toward teaching to share the benefits of a sustained, creative practice with others. I can trace the beginnings of my career as artist, writer, and educator to a steel blue Nissan Cube that I purchased in 2010 in Okinawa, Japan…”

Enjoy!

Very best wishes,

Erin

Check Out Erin Schalk’s Story, Voyage LA Magazine Artist Interview

Check Out Erin Schalk’s Story, Voyage LA Magazine Artist Interview

Artist in Residence 2021, Muckenthaler Cultural Center

While we’ve now reached the final quarter of 2021, and life continues to be disrupted for many (myself included) due to the pandemic, 2021 has had its silver linings.

One of the brightest silver linings involves The Muckenthaler Cultural Center; this year, I was named The Muck’s Artist in Residence for the 2021 cycle. I’m proud to be a part of this organization, the AiR program, and the incredible contributions The Muck regularly makes to the arts in Southern California.

As part of this residency, I’m actively working with blind, visually impaired, and disability communities to bridge the gaps between accessibility, visual arts (in both arts education and art museum/gallery settings), as well as teaching about and making multi sensory art and art curricula.

For more information, please visit this news article.

Once again, I offer a big thank you to The Muck for making this opportunity possible, as well as prioritizing accessibility for wider audiences!

2021 Artist in Residence: Erin Schalk, Muckenthaler Cultural Center

2021 Artist in Residence: Erin Schalk, Muckenthaler Cultural Center