2026 2D Artist in Residence: Brian DePauli
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts has selected St. Louis artist Brian DePauli as its 2026 2D Artist in Residence.
DePauli will spend eight weeks at ESSA developing a new body of work centered on longevity and immortality. Through drawings, oil sketches, research, and experimentation, he will consider the biological, technological, and speculative possibilities of life beyond its usual limits.
This residency is generously funded by Mid America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
His residency runs August 3rd through October 3rd, with a closing reception, show, and sale on September 26th.
Follow Brian's Residency
Brian has been sharing paintings, works in progress, and glimpses from the studio throughout his eight weeks at ESSA. Follow along with his residency and see what he’s working on:
About Brian DePauli
Brian DePauli is an artist and curator based in St. Louis, where he is represented by William Shearburn Gallery. He is currently developing a new body of work exploring the concept of immortality through biological, speculative, and historical lenses.
His work has been exhibited throughout the Midwest and featured in New American Paintings, Studio Visit Magazine, Friend of the Artist, and other publications. He earned an MA in Visual Art from Fontbonne University and received an Artist Support Grant from the Regional Arts Commission in 2024.
The ESSA Residency Experience
During his eight-week residency, ESSA is providing Brian with the time, space, and resources to focus deeply on his studio practice. He has a private studio on ESSA’s wooded campus, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks, along with access to well-appointed facilities and the freedom to develop new work without the usual demands of daily life.
The residency also extends beyond the studio. Brian has opportunities to connect with ESSA’s community of artists, instructors, students, and visitors while experiencing Eureka Springs and the region’s vibrant arts community.
As part of his residency, Brian is also conducting outreach with area high school and community college students, sharing his work and professional experience with emerging artists. These conversations create another kind of exchange: giving students direct access to a working artist while giving the resident an opportunity to engage with the next generation of creatives.
The residency culminates in a public exhibition and reception, giving Brian the opportunity to share the work, experimentation, and ideas developed during his time at ESSA.
Meet Brian During His Residency
Studio Stroll | Saturday, September 12th
Meet Brian, view his works in progress, and learn more about what he has been developing during his residency at ESSA.
Closing Reception Show | Saturday, September 26th
See the work Brian develops during his eight weeks at ESSA during a closing reception and show. Brian will also give a 15-minute artist talk about his process, influences, residency experience, and the ideas behind his work. A Q&A will follow.
This residency is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
