Coastal Oregon Artist Residency 2026

Congrats Midori Hirose and Slayer Rowan for being selected for this year's Coastal Oregon Artist Residency!

Midori Hirose is an interdisciplinary artist newly rooted in Astoria with an extensive background as a professional artist and community organizer. Her practice revolves around reclaiming and reimagining discarded materials, transforming them into sculptural works that invite new narratives about place, history, and transformation.

Slayer Rowan is also relatively new to the Astoria area, describing the COAR opportunity as a dream come true. Sculpture has remained a constant thread throughout his life and creative practice. He works in many mediums and is fueled by a deep curiosity and eagerness to learn new skills and techniques. Most recently, Slayer earned his welding certification through Clatsop Community College, expanding the possibilities for his art-making practice.

This residency is a partnership between Recology Western Oregon and AVA, and runs June 1 - September 30 with a public exhibition at AVA in October. The artists get the opportunity to salvage reclaimed items from the Astoria Transfer Station, will receive a stipend of $1000/month for four months, and get a dedicated studio space during the residency