Shanley Smith is a hybridized writer and fiber artist who shares her time between Lake Michigan and the Piedmont Triad region. Through her writing, she explores the queer and the tamed in nature, spirituality, desires, and gender.

Amit Ben-Baruch is a painter and printmaker based in Brooklyn, NY, who works as a tattoo artist in the city. Amit spent their time at Azule “scaling up” their work, allowing the vastness of the environment as a counterpoint to the bustling urban backdrop where they typically practice their craft.

Mosiac Artist Lydia Nichole shares current and past projects at Azule, and talks about her ongoing collaborative process with Camille.

Hava Liebowitz is a multidisciplinary fiber-based artist. Her time in residence at Azule was her first artist residency, and she generously shares about her current projects.

M. Kobe is a multidisciplinary artist working with repurposed materials or found natural materials. They share several works in progress inspired by their writing and the night sky in Hot Springs.

Prolific author, Jeffery Renard Allen, discusses the most influential writers on his work, his most challenging project, and the themes of mental health and fluidity in his work.

Joshua summarizes his practice with one word: empathy. As a trans person navigating life with invisible disabilities, his journey has been defined by resilience, empathy, and a commitment to amplify the voices of marginalized groups.

By repurposing a variety of materials from old drawings and paintings to playing cards, marbles, and wooden airplanes, Sara’s work invites interpretation while evoking playfulness and a sense of curiosity.

Established local artist, Lauren Collins gives us a glimpse into balancing their tattoo + painting practice, and discusses their unique approach to gathering source imagery.