Artist Residency Program

The Demuth Museum of Art is pleased to announce the selection of its 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Abigail Dudley, who began her residency in June. 

The Demuth Museum of Art is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the visual arts by focusing on the groundbreaking work of Charles Demuth (1883-1935), showcasing artists, and inspiring new generations. The Demuth Artist Residency program was created to engage with an artist focused on drawing and/or painting to create a new body of work that’s rooted in the Demuth Museum of Art’s collection and Lancaster’s artistic community. The residency program supports the Museum’s mission by fostering deeper connections with contemporary artists and bridging today’s art world with Demuth’s pioneering style and vision for American Art.

Abigail Dudley holds a BFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and MFA from the University of Delaware. She has worked as a painting instructor and visiting artist at multiple institutions across the country, including a recent tenure as a visiting artist at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 2025. 

"Returning to Lancaster feels like a full circle moment," said Dudley. "I worked in Lancaster and Mount Gretna during my undergraduate studies, and taking on this residency is a chance to revisit the foundation of my art education and painting career. I have also spent time in Paris and Provincetown, both significant places in Charles Demuth’s artistic journey, and I am excited to explore those influences on his work.” 

The six-week residency will conclude with an open studio on August 6 - 8, featuring the works produced by Dudley during her time at the Demuth Museum of Art. Dudley will also give a lecture about her work on Thursday, July 16 at 6 pm at 116 East King Street, Lancaster. 

“Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Demuth Artist Residency Program, we’re delighted to welcome Abigail Dudley to Lancaster,” said Abby Baer, Executive Director of the Demuth Museum of Art. “We’re eager to see how her work evolves during this residency and excited to work with her over the coming weeks.”