Spectacular Artwork And Live Music - The Grand Finale Of The 2025–2026 Artist In Residence Program

Representing months of artistic exploration and professional development, this final collaboration highlights the dynamic and diverse works created by this year’s resident artists during their eight-month residency at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists in person during the opening celebration and experience the creative energy that has made the AiR program a cornerstone of Pompano Beach’s growing arts scene.

“This event represents the culmination of an incredible year of artistic growth,” said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Pompano Beach. “Also, presenting the Artists in Residence Final Exhibition during the beloved Old Town Untapped series creates an exciting intersection of visual art, music, and community celebration while giving audiences the opportunity to connect directly with the artists and their work.”

This year’s AiR cohort includes:

• Liv Cook's self-portraits have developed into a meditative exploration of identity and vulnerability, influenced by the queer and alternative art scenes of the 1970's to 1990's.

• Mark Espinosa is a Filipino American multidisciplinary artist who explores the intersections of expanded animation, music, poetry, choreography, and sleight of hand.

• Georgeta Fondos is a multidisciplinary artist who specializes in experimental textiles and mural art.

• Jed-Lee Metayer visually explores the process of breaking cycles of trauma using solid circles of color or negative space, intentionally avoiding symbols or patterns.

• Christina Prezzemolo is a painter and educator who draws inspiration from the quiet beauty of the natural world.

• Sarah Rocca is committed to mental health awareness and her practice focuses on self-portraiture as a form of visual storytelling.

• Mikael Semexant's pieces often depict real-life moments inspired by his own experiences in a close-knit and nurturing family and community environment.

• Claudette Goico Sernius's recent work, "Unfinished Stories," focuses on raising awareness about human trafficking, using visual storytelling to spark dialogue and inspire change.

• AiR Alumni Louiveste La Croix's artwork is a unique combination of multimedia techniques, gestural figures, and abstract color schemes that captivate viewers.

From October through June, the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center pulsates with creative energy through the Artists in Residence program, which provides emerging and established artists with studio space, exhibition opportunities, mentorship, and professional development resources. Throughout the year, each artist is featured as an “Artist of the Month,” presenting individual exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community engagement activities designed to foster meaningful connections with South Florida audiences.

In addition to refining their artistic practices, the residents participate in marketing and business development workshops to strengthen their professional careers and expand their impact within the community.

Several members of this year’s residency cohort also received Broward Cultural Division Artist Support Grants in recognition of their artistic excellence and contributions to the regional cultural landscape. Catch this final flourish created for over nine inspiring months!

Headlining Old Town Untapped with live entertainment will be MAKING FACES, a West Palm Beach-based music group known for its signature fusion of rock, reggae, and funk, which they call “ROGGUNK.”

The free, family-friendly event from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. also features local artisan vendors, and food trucks.

Event Details

AiR FINAL Exhibition: Last Untapped for the Season:

Friday, June 5th, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Location: Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA)

41 Northeast 1st Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060

About the Artist in Residence Program (AiR)

The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to host the annual Artists in Residence (AiR) Program during October through May of each year. During the selection period in May, a distinguished panel of judges selects eight new artists to be part of the annual class.

The AiR Program takes place at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA) which houses ten art studios and features three galleries that serve as exhibition and education spaces. During the program the selected artists are provided with their individual studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with our community.

This dynamic and diverse group of artists have been in residence for eight months with a monthly focus for each one to present their “Artist of the Month” exhibition giving them the opportunity to showcase their work and create unique programs to attract art lovers to BaCA.

About Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance, and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City’s premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the Artists in Residence (AiR) initiative.

For additional information, visit Pompano Beach Arts: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/the-final-exhibition-airs-art-exhibition