In partnership with The University of North Texas’ College of Visual Arts and Design, The Epic’s Artist-in-Residence program will give opportunities to UNT students while they take the next step in their career.  Once accepted, the artist will have a loft as well as a studio where they can consistently produce works, regardless of medium.  Members and guests will be able to observe artists as they work. The artist will also teach classes as part of The Epic’s fine arts programming.

We are proud to introduce our very first artist-in-residence, Horacio Casillas.  Born in Arizona and raised in Mexico and West Texas, Horacio is a ceramic artist working with porcelain and stoneware and primarily, soda firing.  He has a BFA in Ceramics from Angelo State University as well as a MFA in Ceramics from The University of North Texas.  He has exhibited works in galleries around the country and has taught at UNT and Brookhaven College.  His work has been recognized multiple times and is known for its rustic feel and Catholic themes.  Here is Horacio in his own words:

“I spent a large part of my final semester of graduate school applying to residencies and preparing for what comes next. Being accepted as The Epic’s first resident artist was more than I had hoped for. 

This residency gives me time to hone my craft, more than I have at any other point in my career as an artist. The Epic not only provides me with an excellent environment to make art, but also an opportunity to get healthy and in shape by joining fitness classes or simply going to the gym, which I’ve been wanting to do for some time. 

Throughout my residency, I will be focusing on making functional pottery and furthering my exploration into sculpture. As an artist, I believe my work would be meaningless if it wasn’t for the people who interact with it, and I very much look forward to meeting members of the community and sharing my work and process. I am very excited to be a part of what The Epic is offering to the community of Grand Prairie, and I can’t wait to see this place flourish.”

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You can view more of Horacio’s work at www.horaciocasillas.com