CHICAGO, IL (Jan. 17, 2025) – The Emily Hotel is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 Artist-in-Residence program, a dynamic initiative designed to celebrate the vibrant creativity of Chicago's arts community. Since its inception, the program has served as a platform for emerging talent, showcasing the city's diverse creative pulse while fostering meaningful collaborations between artists and the local community. This program connects local artists with the public through curated installations and engaging workshops, offering hotel guests and the community an immersive and meaningful art experience.

As part of The Emily Hotel's annual “Synesthesia” programming, this year's residencies will further explore the intersection of art and sensory perception, challenging how we see, hear, taste, touch, and feel the world around us. Designed to spotlight a diverse range of Chicago-based talent, each residency is thoughtfully curated to showcase the artist's unique vision and creative identity. Participating artists span a variety of mediums, including textiles, mixed media, paint, sculpture, and scent. A standout feature of the initiative is the key card program, where each artist designs a custom key card for The Emily Hotel's exclusive collection, adding a personal touch to every guest's experience.

Kicking off this year's program is Amanda Christine Harth, a Chicago-based artist and founder of Universe of Harth, whose residency will run from February 1 through April 30. Known for her innovative exploration of textiles and fragrance, Harth's work delves into themes of history and community, with a particular focus on the cultural significance of denim in Black communities. Her residency will transform spaces within The Emily Hotel, featuring installations that incorporate her signature textiles, wooden sculptures, and custom fragrances.

“Our Artist-in-Residence initiative is at the heart of our commitment to celebrating Chicago's creative community,” said Zoltan Payerli, General Manager of The Emily Hotel. “By showcasing local talents like Amanda, we foster connections among guests, the community, and the stories artists bring to life. Amanda's work is a powerful example of how art inspires conversation and creates unforgettable experiences."

Guests and visitors can look forward to a curated scent created by Harth, inspired by The Emily Hotel's brand and ethos. Designed as a room spray, linen spray, and body spray, the scent captures a warm, woody, and spicy essence to evoke a familiar yet unexpected sensory experience. Throughout her residency, Harth will host a series of interactive workshops, offering the community a chance to engage with her artistic process. Events include a February 11 Q&A and wellness workshop featuring breathwork and aromatherapy, as well as a March apothecary workshop where participants can design their own fragrance.

"Art is a powerful way to connect, and I'm excited to offer an immersive experience that blends clothing, scent, and memory,” said Harth. “The custom fragrance for The Emily Hotel combines warmth, wood, and spice to create a familiar yet unexpected experience."

For more information about The Emily Hotel's Artist-in-Residence program, upcoming events, and workshops, please visit emilyhotel.com/destinations/chicago/do/happenings/ or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

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About The Emily Hotel
Inspired by the belief that art changes the way we look at the world, The Emily Hotel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Chicago's Fulton Market, the hotel, much like the surrounding neighborhood, fosters spaces for locals and visitors alike to collaborate, celebrate and become inspired. The carefully curated 159-room hotel offers guests a serene gathering place infused with minimalist design and comfortable guest rooms, equipped together to ensure a welcoming visit to the Windy City. Onsite dining includes Selva, a 7th floor rooftop bar inspired by the energy of Mexico by night, and Fora, a New American and globally-inspired restaurant and patio that utilizes fresh and quality ingredients. Additionally, on the first floor is Coffee Bar, which offers locally roasted coffees, fresh pastries, and a selection of house-made café items. In addition to excellent dining options, The Emily Hotel incorporates a Artist in Residence program, which celebrates local artists through on-property curated art and pieces throughout the hotel, as well as a Rooftop Cinema Club during the summertime. To learn more or book a stay, visit www.emilyhotel.com/destinations/chicago/ or follow along on Instagram @theemilyhotel