2026 Fall Artist Sojourn
featuring Suzanne DesMarais and Wilson Whitlock
November 9th – 23rd, 2026
Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) welcomes painters Suzanne DesMarais and Wilson Whitlock for the 2026 Fall Artists’ Sojourn, a two-week residency dedicated to artistic exploration and creative development.
During their stay, both artists will have dedicated studio time to develop new work, explore their individual artistic interests, and draw inspiration from the landscapes, architecture, and creative community of Eureka Springs.
With 24-hour studio access and accommodations on ESSA’s campus, the residency offers artists the time and space to focus on their work while connecting with the surrounding community.
Meet the 2026 Artists in Residence
Suzanne DesMarais
Suzanne DesMarais is a painter whose work captures the character and atmosphere of a place through color, light, and thoughtful observation. Originally from Pennsylvania and currently based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she earned her BFA in Painting from Penn State University and an MA in Art Therapy from George Washington University.
Suzanne’s representational paintings explore the relationship between people and their surroundings, finding beauty and meaning in familiar landscapes, architecture, and everyday scenes. Her work reflects an appreciation for the emotional qualities of a place and the stories that can emerge through painting.
With longstanding connections to Arkansas and Eureka Springs, Suzanne returns to the area for ESSA’s 2026 Fall Artists’ Sojourn. During her two-week residency, she plans to explore the town through daily sketching, observation, and painting, developing new work inspired by its distinctive architecture, natural surroundings, and local character.
Wilson Whitlock
Wilson Whitlock is a painter whose vibrant, imaginative compositions explore the intersection of everyday life, memory, and contemporary anxieties. With roots in Arkansas and a recent MFA from the University of Memphis, Wilson creates colorful, surreal paintings that transform familiar interiors, objects, and spaces through exaggerated perspectives and unexpected visual relationships.
His work combines recognizable imagery with playful distortions, inviting viewers to look more closely at the strange, humorous, and sometimes unsettling qualities of ordinary life. Through bold color, layered details, and unconventional compositions, Wilson creates scenes that feel both familiar and fantastical.
During ESSA’s 2026 Fall Artists’ Sojourn, Wilson plans to spend time exploring Eureka Springs, connecting with local people, and gathering inspiration from the town’s distinctive surroundings. These experiences will inform his ongoing artistic practice as he develops new ideas and paintings during his two-week residency.
Meet the Artists at ESSA's Artist in Residence Open House!
Get to know Suzanne DesMarais and Wilson Whitlock at ESSA’s Artist in Residence Open House on Saturday, November 21st, 2026! Meet the artists, see what they’ve been working on during their residency, and learn more about their creative processes. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the artists!
Free, family-friendly, and open to the public!