Our Founder and her Senior Project
Four years ago the Host an Artist program was founded by Josefina Sundblad, an exchange student from Argentina, who spent her senior year at North Kingstown High School.

This program began as her Senior Project, a requirement for graduation in Rhode Island schools. The project is a year-long effort to create something—a product, a service or an event. Students are required to research, execute and report on the outcome.  

​Since she wanted a career in art, Josefina created this program to have a positive impact on the arts community in her temporary hometown. She wanted our festival artists to enjoy the hospitality she received during her year in Rhode Island.

Josefina is currently studying art and design in Bolzano, Italy.

Josefina Sundblad, Founder
"The Host an Artist program is based on people's generosity, curiosity, kindness, open minds and our desire to learn about each other. Both hosts and artists are rewarded from this experience. It's an exchange where we all win.

The program has been successful due to an abundance of generosity and hospitality. I believe many of us are adventurers at heart. We share what we have and learn from those we meet.
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This year I'm asking you again to be part of this. Take a chance, you might be surprised at the outcome."   - Jo Sundblad