The one-year residency includes:

• Creative development support with personalized guidance
• Mentorship from seasoned artists with international experience
• Access to studio space for consistent creation and experimentation
• Portfolio reviews and development advice
• Preparation and participation in at least two professional exhibitions
• Workshops on the business of art, including contracts, pricing, and marketing
• Networking opportunities with artists, collectors, and curators

Please note that this is a future service, it isn’t available as of now.

The program is designed for emerging and aspiring artists, particularly those in or near Baltimore, MD, who wish to transform their creative practice into a professional career. It welcomes self-taught artists, late-bloomers, career-shifters, and creatives from underrepresented communities seeking mentorship and business education in the arts.

Adowa offers workshops, coaching, and practical exercises covering key business topics such as:

• Pricing and valuing artwork
• Contract negotiation and intellectual property protection
• Brand building and audience engagement
• Marketing strategies and social media management
• Revenue stream development for sustainable income

This education is integrated throughout the residency and mentorship programs to empower artists to monetize their work ethically and confidently.

Yes, participants prepare for and participate in at least two curated exhibitions with Adowa. This includes support with artist statements, curation, display logistics, and promotional activities to gain real-world exposure and build a professional portfolio.

Residents receive personalized mentorship from experienced artists, including Adowa herself, who has international residencies and exhibition experience. Mentorship covers creative growth, portfolio refinement, career strategy, and navigating the contemporary art world.

The program welcomes a range of visual arts disciplines, including painting, mixed media, sculpture, and related creative practices. The focus is on cultivating the artist's unique voice and message rather than limiting by medium.

Adowa - Keeper Of The Beauty, LLC prioritizes discovering and uplifting hidden talent, especially Black, Brown, and marginalized artists in the Baltimore area. The program offers a culturally sensitive, spiritually grounded environment that honors diverse backgrounds and fosters authentic creative expression.

Specific program fees are communicated during the application process. Payment can be made securely online, including options like Venmo. The investment covers mentorship, workshops, studio access, exhibition opportunities, and community support throughout the year.

While the primary focus is on Baltimore-based artists, the program is open to creatives willing to travel or participate in hybrid formats. Interested artists from outside the region are encouraged to inquire about availability and program structure.

Applications can be submitted through the website via custom forms. Prospective artists can also request more information or schedule discovery calls to discuss fit and program details before applying.

Key differentiators include:

• A holistic approach combining creative, business, and spiritual development
• Leadership by a late-blooming internationally recognized artist with real-world experience
• Focus on hidden and underrepresented talent in Baltimore
• Integration of Zen philosophy, healing foods, and sculptural practice
• An explicit mission to eliminate the "starving artist" stereotype through business education

Yes, residents have access to dedicated studio space (where applicable) to create, experiment, and collaborate throughout the residency year, fostering consistent artistic practice.

The residency includes facilitated events and access to a creative community where participants can connect with fellow artists, mentors, collectors, curators, and industry professionals, helping to build lasting relationships and future opportunities.

Adowa's practice is deeply rooted in the belief that art is divine expression. The residency encourages artists to connect their inner life, heritage, and spiritual perspectives with their creative work, incorporating elements of Zen philosophy and holistic balance to sustain long-term creativity.

Residents receive coaching on preparing artist statements, curating their work, display techniques, and promotional strategies to ensure a professional and impactful exhibition presence.

The company was founded in 2023 and has quickly established a recognized artist residency and mentorship program in Baltimore, with an expanding international network.