No Boundaries International Artist Residency
I had no idea what to expect when I stepped onto the ferry at Deep Point Marina for a two-week artist residency at Bald Head Island, NC. I’m one of nine artists who participated in the 2025 No Boundaries International Artist Residency (NBIAR), plus two incredible interns and one fearless leader.
The goal of the residency is to provide artists with the time and space to create, explore and collaborate. But what I came away with was so much more than that — I came home with a creative community.
We started off as a group of strangers, but quickly became family. We explored the island together, encouraged one another and supported each other in our creative endeavors.
As you can imagine, 12 artists means a LOT of art supplies, so most of the first day was spent unpacking and getting settled. I brought several canvases and wood panels, all prepped and ready to go so I could follow my creativity wherever it led. I tried not to come into the residency with expectations as to what I would create, so I could let the island and the other artists inspire me!
Photo by Bri Mellott
The Boat House restaurant (which was closed for the winter) served as our main studio space with people bopping between our two beach houses as well. I set up drop clothes and couple of tables in one corner of the Boat House as my painting studio.
Most mornings I was up between 6 and 8 a.m. with a cup of coffee in tow. I bopped across the road to greet the ocean for the day and sometimes catch the sunrise, letting the cool morning air wake me up. Then a group of us would head to the studio to work for the day.
Photo by Bri Mellott
My adventures on the island informed my paintings each day.
An early morning hike in the Maritime Forest, where we found a hill with the best view of the creek.
A sunset peeking through the trees and spilling out onto the marsh at Old Baldy [lighthouse].
A full moon over South Beach that lit up the night, sparkling over the water.
I started small with landscape studies to loosen up. Then as my sketchbook filled up with ideas from my surrounds, I went bigger!
In the afternoons, I found myself painting tiny sailboats to wind down for the day — inspired by a photo I took at the Conservatory Water in Central Park.
When we were done working at the studio for the day, we’d hop on the golf carts and head back to the houses, gathering for a beautiful meal together around 6 p.m. Our gracious chefs outdid themselves, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well! Then we would sit around with sketchbooks in-hand, or play a game, before calling it a night.
Photo by Bri Mellott
We had a wonderful open studio, followed by an unexpected snow that left us stranded on the island a little longer than planned.
Snow at BHI was magical! We made the most of our extra snow day with a trek through the tropical winter wonderland, some delicious snow cream, and sledding on the beach!
Our exhibition at Acme Art Studios was delayed a week, but that meant we got to come together again on Jan. 31, for the opening reception!
The array of artwork we all created is astounding — from watercolors, acrylics, and oils; to cyanotypes, photography, and woodcut prints. I feel like the luckiest girl to have spent two weeks with this amazing group of artists!
Words cant’ describe how impactful NBIAR is, not just on my art practice, but on my life. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
I’m so grateful to Pam Toll, Gayle Tustin and Dick Roberts for founding NBIAR; to the current NBIAR board for selecting me to be one of the 2025 residents; to our hosts at Bald Head Island; to our fabulous chefs; and to my amazing cohorts!
You can view selected works from the residency on exhibit at Acme Art Studio through Feb. 28 — by appointment only. Email hello@sarahjanetart.com to setup a time.
