By: Stacy Keith
An arts community is an important element for any city and Lubbock is particularly lucky to have a group of artists through the Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP). CASP offers both live/work studio space options as well as just working studio space to emerging artists who seek a way to nurture their art career.
The vision of CASP was the brainchild of Charles Adams, who has successfully run a gallery in Lubbock for over 30 years showcasing local and regional artwork. Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University and ran an art gallery in New York before returning to Lubbock in 1980. He brought with him a wish to have a live/work space in downtown and began to shape that dream into a reality. Like many Lubbock projects, a group of citizens came together to begin to strategize what live/work space might look like for downtown and artists.
As the idea grew and funding was secured by generous patrons and foundations, CASP began to blossom into what it is today an anchoring organization of the Cultural District in Lubbock.
Guided by Director and Artist Chad Plunket, CASP has transformed its property into not only live/work spaces, but also created working artist studios.
On any first Friday of the month, visitors can meet these amazing CASP artists during the First Friday Art Trail activities organized by neighbor arts organization LHUCA (Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts). The CASP artists are varied in what they do, each bringing a unique element to the CASP area. Current artists in residence include:
Studio 1: Will Terrell is a cartoonist known for Histeria! (1998), SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) and Animaniacs (2020) in addition to his original works. Amber Terrell creates toys and sculptures from various materials.
Studio 2: Catherine Alexander Webster (North Carolina) is and actor and arts instructor. She recently received a Master’s of Fine Arts emphasizing Theatre Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Tech University.
Studio 3: Cassandra Trautman (Lubbock, TX) is a costume designer, leather-worker and jewelry designer and received a Master of Fine Arts specializing in theatre costume and scenic design from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
Studio 4: ¥ung Cry Baby is a vocalist, model, and artist.
In the Work Studio spaces are currently:
Studio a: Kristy Kristinek – Texas Tech University Master’s of Fine Arts, Painting and Performance
Studio b: HeARTful – Provides art-based opportunities for communities in need.
Studio c: 806 Collective – Local artist’s collective
Studio d: Texas Tech School of Art Faculty Research Residency
Studio e: Flatlands Dance Theatre
Studio f: Applications are open!
Studio g: Rachel G Photography and Megan Norwood
Studio h: Sean Scully, metalsmith and Senior Library Associate at the Library Makerspace for Texas Tech University; and Scotty Hensler, sculptor, painter and Assistant Director for Landmark Arts, Exhibition and Speaker Programs at Texas Tech University School of Art
CASP also offers classes in metal working and sculpture and serves as a teaching space for these art forms. It is also widely known for its printmaking studio which also can be used for classes and workshops.
CASP is an organization that really must be experienced. Plunket has said, “The studios without the artists are just empty rooms.” This is an accurate description – it’s the artists who bring the life and vibrancy to CASP. They are the soul of this the program and fulfill its purpose to nurture emerging artists and support them in their aspirations to be full time artists.
The CASP artists also do some special events throughout the year including CASP Block Parties and CASPfest which are additional opportunities to see and experience these artists’ work. An upcoming CASPfest will be October 15. CASPfest showcases not only local artists, but also music and art by regional and nationally known artists. It’s a great way to experience this very special art venue in Lubbock and see firsthand the work being done.
