2025 Artist Residents-Session 1

Introducing the 2025 Hapeville Artist Residents!

The Hapeville Artist Residency is designed to support emerging and established artists as they develop a dedicated body of work, engage meaningfully with the community, and connect with fellow creatives.  Each residency concludes with a week-long public exhibition showcasing the artist’s work. As part of the closing events, the artist will participate in an Artist Talk during the Downtown Gallery Crawl, offering insight into their creative process and experience.


Session 1 Artists

Session 1: May 19 - July 11
Exhibition: July 12 - July 19
Gallery Crawl: July 12th

Artist Talk: July 18th 

Reinilda Blair

Reinilda BlairArtist Bio:  Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, I was shaped by a blend of cultures and experiences that deeply influenced my creative voice. While I officially stepped into the professional art world in 2021, painting has always been my way of exploring, understanding, and celebrating my own identity and heritage.

Working primarily with acrylics, my art honors my Taíno/African/Spanish ancestry by intertwining cultural symbolism and ancestral knowledge into each canvas. Beyond cultural expression, my paintings are profoundly inspired by powerful personal experiences, including a transformative near-death event that reshaped my spiritual outlook, opening doors to visionary and metaphysical themes. Each artwork becomes a vessel, speaking intimately and directly to the soul.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to share my art with diverse audiences in respected venues, including the Fulton Government Center and the Emma Darnell Aviation Center. These experiences allowed me to connect deeply with communities, creating conversations around culture, spirituality, and self-discovery. Currently, I'm excited to be preparing for an upcoming exhibition at ArtsXchange in Atlanta, where my work will enter into dialogue with the compelling artistry of Haitian painter Darnelle Louis-Jacques.



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Reinlilda's studio will be in the Arts Alley Art Container.

Honey Pierre

Honey PierreArtist Bio: Cassandra Hickey, known as Honey Pierre, was born in Cleveland, OH, into a vibrant family. Her artistic journey began with a fascination for fashion magazines, leading to daily illustrations and exploration of various mediums, guided by a high school mentor. Choosing an unconventional path, she served three years in the U.S. Army, which shaped her perspectives and commitment to art.

After relocating to Atlanta, Honey expanded her creative horizons through diverse engagements. Her evolution as a textile artist found expression in punch needle, an eco-friendly technique that intertwines yarn into vivid narratives. Each piece serves as a portal for storytelling, highlighting her accomplishments, including her first solo exhibition with Moca Cleveland, her Leap Year residency at Mint Gallery, and her installation at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Honey envisions her future as an ever-unfolding tapestry of narratives, eager to craft stories that celebrate the essence of life.

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Honey's studio will be in the Jess Lucas Park Art Container.