Artists in Residence

Our Artist in Residence program, launched in 2023, invites one local artist each year to engage with Anna Safley Houston's collection of decorative arts. The artist selects pieces from the collection that inspire them and creates new work in their own medium, drawing from the rich history and beauty of Anna's antiques. The program culminates in an exhibition that showcases the artist’s modern creations alongside the timeless pieces from the collection, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of past and present art forms.

2023 Artist in Residence :

Kris Bespalec

Kris Bespalec is an artist, educator, and mother living in Chattanooga. She serves as the Manager of School and Community Programs at the Hunter Museum of Art and

has taught Art History and Sculpture at both the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

2024 Artist in Residence :

Carrie Pendergrass

Over the last twenty years, Carrie has been a freelance artist, art educator, and small-business owner. Carrie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, with a concentration in Painting, from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1997. She then went on to receive a Masters of Education degree from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 2006, along with a certification to teach art in k-12.