Liliane Blom Art Studio
Art as a Catalyst for Community and Belonging
Installation
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) is thrilled to announce the artists selected for the inaugural Montgomery County Artist Residency:
Alyscia Cunningham,
Jasmine Adams, and Liliane Blom!
Liliane will undertake a year-long residency with the goal of supporting civic dialogue in the Mid-County Service Center.
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Focus area Wheaton
This residency, supported by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, is a new initiative aimed at fostering civic dialogue and promoting community cohesion. As Susan Jenkins, CEO of AHCMC, beautifully put it: “Creativity is a vehicle for building healthier communities.”
Through a series of creative engagements, my goal is to collaborate with the Mid-County community to address local challenges. These challenges could range from economic development and housing to resilience and identity. Art will serve as the medium for these conversations, offering a safe and inclusive space for all voices to be heard.
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For this residency, my focus area will be Wheaton, particularly its underserved communities. I’ve identified the Wheaton Mall South Building as a potential hub for engagement. This location houses several vital service organizations, such as MidCounty United Ministries, Proyecto Salud, MontgomeryWorks, the Latino Economic Development Corporation, the Division of Rehabilitation Services, and the Gilchrist Center.
Creating a welcoming and safe space to share and foster community
With the support of Westfield Wheaton I will create a pop up "living room" with a couch and armchairs, coffee table and lending library, coffee machine and snacks, and a rug for that cosy feeling.
Do you have something I migh use? An old rug gathering dust, a smallish armchair? Books, magazines, toys? Let me know!
Community engagement will be at the heart of this project. I envision organizing dialogue sessions where residents can voice their concerns and ideas. These sessions will also include hands-on creative activities to inspire participation and ensure inclusivity.
As an artist, I specialize in creating installations and murals that are vibrant, interactive, and reflective of the community’s spirit. Whether it’s through painting, digital art, or immersive experiences, my aim is to make art accessible and meaningful to all.
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This project has several objectives:
To amplify diverse voices and develop a shared community identity.
To address pressing issues such as housing, economic development, and resilience through artistic dialogue.
And, most importantly, to foster cross-cultural connections and strengthen relationships between the community and the regional service centers.
By working together, I believe we can create not just art, but a legacy of unity and shared purpose.
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