mission statement

The Fountainhead Residency

Mission Statement

The Fountainhead Residency was founded by collectors Dan and Kathryn Mikesell in early 2008. Since the residency was founded our mission has expanded or perhaps simplified, depending on how you look at it. We began with four goals; to provide artists an opportunity to find new inspiration ( a fountainhead), to introduce artists to Miami’s art community and it’s many supporters, to introduce Miami and all that it has to offer to artists, and finally to provide our family an opportunity to become more intimately integrated in the world of artists and art. Now it’s simply to help artists expand their experience and opportunities by succeeding in our original goals and more.

The artists that have joined us have truly changed our lives. Each artist has given us a gift whether it’s through a new perspective, a fond memory, and/or a lasting friendship. An artist’s stay at the residency is really just the beginning.

In 2010 we are forging new partnerships, continuing to expand our relationships with galleries and institutions worldwide, introducing a curatorial program, and increasing our communication about past and future Fountainhead Residents. Keep an eye out. There is exciting news ahead.

The Residency will provide artists with an environment to find new inspirations, create new work, and an opportunity to meet the people that make Miami’s art community one-of-a-kind. The residence itself is a unique, light infused space to live and work away from the confines and daily grind of a typical day. With the Fountainhead Studios near by, the residency offers choices for artists’ working environment.

The artists we accept range widely in their careers from emerging artists to well established artists. Because of our collaboration with Miami’s Museums and non-profits, the residency is often a mix of artist here for a museum exhibition, artists invited by the residency and artists in for a site specific project or gallery show.

Unique to The Fountainhead Residency is the opportunity to become truly integrated into Miami’s vibrant, close-knit, and very supportive art community. Artists will be given an opportunity to meet and receive feedback from respected curators, collectors, gallerists and artists here in Miami.

We are proud to say that many of the artists that have joined us in the past years have said that their careers and their lives have been enhanced from their experiences here. I think it’s safe to say all have fostered relationships that will last a lifetime.