SWOCC Launches Artist-in-Residence Program to Expand Arts Offerings

New initiative connects professional artists with community members for hands-on creative learning

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Southwestern Oregon Community College has introduced a first-of-its-kind Artist-in-Residence program, bringing in Portland-based artist Tristan Perrotti to teach art classes and workshops open to both students and the broader community. The program aims to broaden horizons and get people thinking and looking at the world in new ways through creative expression.

Why it matters

SWOCC has offered arts programming for over 60 years, but the Artist-in-Residence initiative represents a novel approach to making professional artistic instruction more accessible to the local community. By engaging residents of all ages, the program seeks to spark creativity and new perspectives along the Oregon coast.

The details

Perrotti, the current Artist-in-Residence, is teaching hands-on classes in drawing, painting, and other mediums at the college's Eden Hall. The program is open not just to SWOCC students, but to community members as well, who can take advantage of both the classes and additional workshops led by Perrotti. Students say the in-person instruction has been invaluable, complementing the college's existing online arts offerings.

  • The Artist-in-Residence program launched in the fall of 2026 and is set to continue through the summer.
  • A new artist will take over the residency at SWOCC starting next year.

The players

Tristan Perrotti

A Portland-based artist who is serving as SWOCC's current Artist-in-Residence, leading hands-on art classes and workshops for both students and the broader community.

Sho Lee

A SWOCC student who has taken advantage of both the online and in-person art offerings, including Perrotti's residency program.

Dakota Johnson

A student in Perrotti's Artist-in-Residence program, who notes the challenge of knowing when a creative piece is truly complete.

Elise Hamner

The Foundation Director at SWOCC, who hopes the Artist-in-Residence model will inspire other communities to find ways to bring the arts to their residents.

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What they’re saying

“It's very unusual for a community college or, really, most any colleges, to have programs like this.”

— Tristan Perrotti, Artist and Instructor (kval.com)

“I'm so glad they have it. I did drawing online. They needed it here; they need it here in person, and to have painting, it's great.”

— Sho Lee, SWOCC Student (kval.com)

“I think it's because I'm trying to take all the things I've learned into account and create it perfectly that way, which is tough because sometimes you just need to be creative.”

— Dakota Johnson, SWOCC Student (kval.com)

“I would hope other communities see what we do and figure out ways to do things that are the right size for them and fit in their community. It's wonderful to have people of all ages come to our campus and learn to do art.”

— Elise Hamner, SWOCC Foundation Director (kval.com)

What’s next

A new Artist-in-Residence will take over the program at SWOCC starting next year, continuing the college's efforts to bring professional artistic instruction to the local community.

The takeaway

SWOCC's innovative Artist-in-Residence program demonstrates how community colleges can serve as hubs for creative expression, providing accessible avenues for residents of all ages to explore the arts and broaden their perspectives through hands-on learning with professional artists.