Thiensville resident and figurative oil painter Sasha Kinens has been selected as its 16th artist-in-residence at The Pfister Hotel.
Kinens begins her year-long residency in the Downtown hotel’s lobby-level artist studio this month. She succeeds fiber artist Heidi Parkes.
“I look forward to working in such an iconic setting that has long embraced the arts,” Kinens said. “Those who appreciate the charm of the Pfister Hotel will see a similar allure in my paintings, pulling them into history only to reveal a new narrative through the layers of oil paint.”
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Inspired by the pre-Raphaelites and Symbolists and informed by classical realism, Kinens uses layers of oil glazing to paint models in landscape scenes.
Guests will be invited into Kinens’ studio at the Pfister, which is owned and managed by Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts, to gain a better understanding of her process and see each piece develop throughout her residency. She also plans to host immersive art events and experiences throughout her residency for local residents and guests.
Kinens studied with artists James Prohl, who is known for still life, portrait, figure and genre painting, and Richard Serrin, an abstract expressionism painter. She pursued art education at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Her pieces have been exhibited in galleries across the United States and Italy. In addition to her practice, Kinens teaches art therapy at Tiny Bird Art Studio in Thiensville.
“We are excited Sasha will be joining us. Guests will enjoy watching her pieces come to life as they blend historical influences with her 21st century outlook,” said Brandon Drusch, the Pfister’s managing director.
At the end of her residency, Kinens will leave behind a legacy piece that will go on permanent display at the hotel.
