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Maker-in-Residence

Apply to Become a Maker-in-Residence


Meet our Fall Maker-in-Residence, Arabelis Griffin!

We are delighted to re-introduce Arabelis Griffin, our Maker-in-Residence for Fall 2026! 

Beginner Reupholstery Series with Arabelis Griffin!

Arabelis Griffin taught a series of popular art classes as our Summer 2025 Maker. This time around she is teaching reupholstery for beginners in three four-hour classes (the first class takes place in two parts).

Arabelis Griffin is a story-driven artist with over two decades of experience in art, interior design and reupholstery, fashion, and film. Her work blends color, culture, and storytelling, reflecting the beauty of transformation across mediums.
A passionate community advocate, she has led inclusive art workshops in schools, nonprofits, and special events, including sensory-friendly experiences for children with autism.


Become Our Next Maker-in-Residence

The Harrison Public Library Maker-in-Residence will work out of the Library for three months (no more than 4 hours per month), working on a project of their choosing. As part of your residency, you will share your skills with the public. We’ll cover the costs of workshop supplies and pay you a stipend of $600 for your time working and teaching. You get unrestricted access to our equipment, an opportunity to learn new skills, public exposure for your work, and a chance to share your talents with your community and all the warm fuzzy feelings that entails. We’re looking for all kinds of making, whether digital or physical. Come and show us how you do it.

Makers selected must be 18 or older, may be subjected to a comprehensive criminal background check, and must have professional references. Applications are accepted and makers are selected on a rolling basis, with appointments made as residencies end.

Application

Thank you for submitting your application. We will be in touch soon.

I would be comfortable working with (choose all that apply):

Harrison Public Library Maker-in-Residence Program Agreement

This is not an offer of employment, and as a “Maker-In-Residence” you will be considered an independent contractor. The maker-in-residence is a contracted position for three months.

The maker-in-residence will receive a one-time payment of $600. The library will provide funding for supplies for public programs.

The maker-in-residence will have up to four hours time per month onsite in the library. The maker-in-residence will be encouraged to work with all of the three groups who use the lab: teens, adults, and families (i.e., all ages).

A portion of our space will be designated for the project being worked on by the artist/maker on display.

All workshops will be made available to the general public, with HPL responsible for participant signup.

These workshops must present attendees with an activity-based, hands-on opportunity to learn a new skill.

The maker-in-residence will be responsible for procuring all necessary consumable supplies for workshops. HPL will reimburse, when agreement is reached, the maker-in-residence for supply costs based on actual detailed receipts. All leftover supplies will become the property of HPL.

Any resulting artwork or product created by the maker-in-residence may be exhibited for a period of one month.

Maker-in-residence is responsible for any travel costs related to maker-in-residence activities.

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