91��Ʒ

Although Paula DeStefanis �85 (Illustration) works full-time as the director of the , she does not always get the time to focus on her own artistic practice. Recently, DeStefanis welcomed the opportunity to dive into her own work at a residency at in Champagne-Ardenne, France.

�Being an artist can be a lonely life choice,� says DeStefanis. �Being in a community of support, much like art school, can do wonders for the soul. It helped me see that what I was doing was valid and gave me a strong desire to continue on the path I began.� Rejuvenated from her residency experience, DeStefanis returns to Wisconsin with a renewed commitment to her artistic practice.

As director of the Art Mill, DeStefanis has found it challenging to commit the time to fully enter the �mental space where art is a priority. At my residency, it was a priority.� Using this dedicated time, DeStefanis produced a series of paintings, titled “What I couldn�t say,” that had been on her mind. �With the luxury of space, time and support, I created manically, producing an entire body of work,� she says. �It was like a long-distance run. I began slowly picking up speed with each canvas, and by the end was painting fast and furiously. It was such a great feeling!�

The sense of community at the residency also fed DeStefanis� practice. �[O]ne thing that struck me was a sense of validation,� she continues. �I [was] provided so much support from the directors, staff and fellow artists which helped support my practice while there.� Focusing on her practice uninterrupted for eight or more hours a day, DeStefanis says she �can’t recall a time I have been so nourished artistically.�

The impact of DeStefanis� residency on her own practice is tangible and will surely go on to impact her community of Wisconsin artists, including the 91��Ʒ community. DeStefanis remains connected to the college through events like the Holiday Sale, and her paintings were part of the inaugural exhibition of alumni work, �From This Point Forward,� at the .

On why she remains involved with 91��Ʒ, DeStefanis credits the college�s small size and tight-knit community. �Support is important for an artistic practice. Seeking it where I feel most at home seems logical to me,� she explains. �Because [91��Ʒ] was small, it felt much like a family�a family of artists of all disciplines, and we all hung out together. Influencing one another with our craft. That was very impactful.�

DeStefanis was originally scheduled to complete the Château d�Orquevaux residency in 2020. But due to the COVID pandemic, her stay was pushed back three years. �In the end, the timing proved to be ideal,� says DeStefanis. �We go through different stages in our art careers. I knew when I went I was feeling a shift in my practice. This experience helped me see that.�

�With the residency behind me, I plan on entering into a full-time studio practice in 2024,� finishes DeStefanis. �Having been provided such a luxury of time to create, I now know I crave more of that.�

Keep up with , learn more about 91��Ʒ’s Fine Art program and explore alumni resources!