ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: Nancy Hackett, the Arts Council of Princeton’s newest Artist-in-Residence, draws inspiration from the natural world to create work in ceramics and printmaking. (Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Princeton)
The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced the appointment of Nancy Hackett as its newest Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence. A lifelong Princeton resident and queer artist, Hackett works across printmaking, ceramics, plus pen and ink, drawing inspiration from the natural world of Central New Jersey.
Currently studying plant science at Mercer County Community College, Hackett brings a unique perspective that merges scientific knowledge with artistic practice. Their work celebrates local landscapes, plants, and food systems, offering the community new ways to see the beauty that exists just outside their doorsteps.
The residency will unfold in two phases. From now through November 5, Hackett will focus on ceramics and a small printmaking project that culminates in a farm and CSA themed dinner party hosted in the ACP’s Taplin Gallery on Thursday, November 6. Guests will take home handcrafted swag created by the artist. The evening will also feature guest speaker Tessa Desmond, director of The Seed Farm project at Princeton University. Details and tickets will be announced at the end of September.
From mid-November through January 9, Hackett will shift their focus to printmaking, producing four to six new editions while exploring expanded techniques with printmaking teaching artist and mentor, Dave DiMarchi. The residency will conclude with an open studio event, where the community can view the completed printmaking works.
Hackett said, “The Arts Council has been part of my life since I was a kid taking art classes here. To return now as an artist-in-residence feels like coming full circle. I’m excited to explore the ways art and science can intersect, and to create projects that highlight the beauty and abundance of our local environment while connecting with the community that has always inspired me.”
For more information about Hackett and their work, visit nancyhackett.my.canva.site.
The Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence Program, named after the ACP founding director, was established by the Arts Council in 2009 to offer artists the opportunity to conceptualize and create work while providing the community with creative interaction with working artists in all disciplines. This project would not be possible without the support of Timothy M. Andrews, longtime supporter of the Arts Council of Princeton, who has generously underwritten the Anne Reeves Artist-in-Residence program.
The Arts Council of Princeton is at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.