The start of 2025 has meant many things: New Year’s resolutions, a new set of classes and Eno Arts Mill’s new BIPOC Artists in Residence.
This year, Kathy Burnside and Neysa Rojas will benefit from the resources of the BIPOC artist residency — private studio space, promotional support, a $500 stipend and a featured exhibit at the Eno Arts Mill.
Located in Hillsborough, the Eno Arts Mill is operated by the Orange County Arts Commission, a nonpartisan agency of the Orange County government working to develop and strengthen the art community through a wide range of high-quality programs.
Katie Murray, the Arts Commission director, encouraged Burnside and Rojas to apply for the residency after they participated in the Makers at the Mill Holiday Bazaar in November 2024. They saw the application as an opportunity to expand Blue Wagon Studios, an art company which they started together.
“Had it not been for the networking, meeting other people, then I don’t think we’d get this far,” Rojas said when discussing the pair’s journey to landing the residency. “So, I really just think it’s special to talk to people. Go to the free exhibits, go to Open Studio at the Eno Arts.”
Before starting Blue Wagon Studios, Rojas worked as a nurse for 17 years. Rojas’ late career transition into the arts inspired their business motto “It’s never too late to create.”
“It is not an easy thing, right?” Rojas said. “I mean, you always hear about this starving artist, struggling artist. Yeah, that’s a reality. But I think, at least for me, I got to the point where I was like, ‘Hey, if this is still your passion, if it’s still in your heart, then you have to give it a chance.’”
The artists recognized that there are many people who want to become artists but see a lack of money and resources as a major barrier. Rojas said the studio space the residency offers them is crucial to expanding their artistic reach.
UNC senior Olivia Stokes is pursuing a degree in studio art and has felt the same sentiment that Burnside and Rojas described.
