York College Arts Fellows Bring Fresh Creativity to Downtown York
When Gabriel Sanchez Carpio learned he had been selected as York College’s next Appell Arts Fellow, he said the wait after his interview had been “intense,” but ultimately worth it. “It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in studio arts, gallery work, and exhibition management,” he shared. “What I am looking forward to the most is working on my art, to study and produce a lot of art.”
Sanchez Carpio graduated this spring with a degree in Fine Art. He and fellow recent graduate Marcos Repollé are the newest arts fellows through York College’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE). Repollé, a Mass Communications, Communication & Writing graduate, will serve as the Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellow. He’s already looking ahead to making an impact. “I am looking forward to making a positive impact on the community through teaching film, and providing a fun environment for students to learn in,” he said.
The arts fellowships, housed at Marketview Arts in downtown York, were created to help young artists bridge the transition between college and professional practice. Fellows receive studio space, mentorship, and the chance to curate their own exhibition, along with opportunities to collaborate on programming that connects York College with the city’s thriving arts district.
“The Fellowships are designed to support young artists as they take the first steps into their professional lives,” explained Carly Legg Wood, Executive Director of the CCE. “They gain invaluable experience in the studio and in arts administration, but just as importantly, they help build bridges between York College and the wider community.”
For Repollé, that bridge means using his background in film to create a welcoming space for others to learn and grow. For
Sanchez Carpio, it means diving into new work while contributing to the energy of York’s creative community.
Wood said both Fellows represent the mission of the program well. “Our Fellows leave a lasting mark on Marketview Arts and on York’s arts district,” she said. “Many stay in the area to continue their work and enrich the cultural life of York City.”
With their residencies just beginning, Sanchez Carpio and Repollé are eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Their creativity, and their commitment to sharing it with others, will shape not only their own careers but also the artistic landscape of York in the year to come.
