Sculptor Ginger Geyer is New Artist in Residence

The Fairmont Dallas is proud to announce sculptor Ginger Geyer as the fourth Artist in Residence of 2011. As a participant in the Artist in Residence program, established to support breakthrough local and regional artists, Geyer will live and work on-site at the hotel from October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Geyer, an Austin-based sculptor working with porcelain and mosaic, will contribute a special piece to The Fairmont Dallas' permanent collection at the conclusion of her residency.

"We are very excited to have Ms. Geyer as our new Artist in Residence," said Nicole Considine, Director of Sales & Marketing of The Fairmont Dallas. "Her unique pieces each tell a wonderful story, and we cannot wait to share her artistic vision with our guests."

Possessing a flair for the creative from an early age, Geyer attended Southern Methodist University, where she studied art history, studio art and museum education and graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree and a Masters of Fine Arts degree. After graduating, Geyer worked for thirteen years in the areas of conservation, collection management and planning for art institutions such as the Kimbell Art Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art. Geyer currently serves as an arts consultant for Laity Lodge, a retreat center founded by the H.E. Butt Foundation.

Geyer's primary area of interest was oil painting initially, but she began working with porcelain after taking a sculpting class and falling in love with the medium. Having had limited formal training with porcelain, Geyer has perfected her method largely through experimentation and self-teaching. Her life-size sculptures are often artistic renderings of common, everyday objects which she infuses with historical and religious references in order to tell a new story. Currently, Geyer is compiling a series of twelve artistic narratives about a fictional character named "Chlora," a body of work that is tied together by a mix of art history, theology and pop culture references.

"My forms are straightforward, but what is behind them is conceptually complex," said Geyer. "Throughout the process of working with the clay, new ideas come forward and a narrative develops. I strive to remain open to whatever arrives."

Throughout her three-month residency, Geyer will be working in the Artist in Residence studio located on the "O" level of The Fairmont Dallas. Hotel guests and members of the community are invited to visit the studio to interact with Geyer and learn about her creative process and artistic inspiration. In December, the Ross Akard Gallery, located in the lobby level of the hotel, will feature an exhibit of Geyer's work.

Those with a true passion for art are invited to take part in The Fairmont Dallas' Art Immersion Package, which includes one-on-one lessons in "The Art of Making Art" with the Artist in Residence, "The Art of Buying Art" with Ross Akard Gallery owner Bryan Embry and an "Art of Culinary & Art of Wine" dinner. Rates for the Art Immersion Package start at $399 USD.

About the Artist-in-Residence Program

The Fairmont Dallas' Artist-in-Residence program is a collaborative initiative with Ross Akard Gallery and features local, regional and national artists who reside in the hotel for three months at a time while working in an onsite studio located on the "O" level in the hotel's south tower. Artwork created throughout the length of the artist's stay serves various purposes – some is displayed in public areas of the hotel, others illuminate the hotel's themed Art Suite and a number of select pieces benefit various philanthropic efforts.

For more information, please contact Katie Norwood at katie.norwood@fairmont.com or 214.720.5310.