AVA Welcomes Latest Artist-in-Residence, blis, aka Kristen Nekovar

 ASTORIA (July 2021) – Astoria Visual Arts is delighted to welcome Astoria artist Kristen Nekovar as part of the AVA artist-in-residence (“AVA a-i-r”) program. The residency will run for six months from July 1 through December 30, 2021.

 Kristen Nekovar goes by the pen name blis.take, who has recently learned to use the creator within as art therapy and found a new addiction in the form of freedom of expression through painting. 

Although blis has always been creative, she lost herself in the challenges of life: addiction, shame, and anxiety. On her 42nd birthday, she decided to paint. “I started painting things I think we should communicate more supportively as a collective society. I believe now is more important than ever to talk about hard things, and allow ALL voices to the table.”

AVA’s a-i-r program offers Kristen, the mom of a toddler, a chance to become connected within the artistic community. She plans to use the time and space to work on larger-scale pieces and to share her experience with art therapy, while highlighting the continued need for inclusion and grace honoring our beautiful differences.

The AVA a-i-r studio is located in the Astoria Studio Collective, above the AVA Gallery at Duane and 10th Street in Astoria.

AVA a-i-r is supported in large part by AVA members as well as Astoria Coffee House and Bistro and Dots N Doodles Art Supplies.