Each year, the Fire Island Artist Residency receives over 400 applications to its free one month LGBTQ exclusive artist residency in Cherry Grove, on Fire Island. The five artists chosen for FIAR live and work in rental properties that become their studios, kitchens, and social spaces. While in residence, they are visited by celebrated figures in contemporary art who act as mentors. Chosen by the five 2016 artists themselves, the title of our show, Steady Mess, refers to rustic living quarters and studio spaces, as well as Cherry Grove’s own special funky charms. Much of the work on display was conceived or completed during the residency, and a beach vibe permeates many of the works on display.

Featuring works by the 2016 FIAR residents: Wilder Alison, Paolo Arao, Edie Fake, Jesse Harrod, and Derrick Woods-Morrow.

Now in our seventh year, Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR) is an organization founded in 2011 which brings gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifying artists to Fire Island, a place long-steeped in LGBTQ history, to create, commune, and contribute to the location’s rich legacy. FIAR is the first and only visual arts residency exclusively for LGBTQ emerging artists.

Steady Mess will remain on view at the Bureau from Friday, February 3, through Sunday, March 26.