FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2026, 2PM - 4PM | YORK, MAINE
Join us at Surf Point on Friday, November 20th from 2 - 4pm to meet artist in residence Abed Elmajid Shalabi.
Meet the Residents is a public program series that offers resident artists and art professionals the option to extend their time at Surf Point to share their work with the public. These intimate gatherings begin with 20-minute presentations by each resident, followed by an opportunity to visit their studio spaces. Additional participating residents will be announced as they are confirmed.
The studio is a creative space, a place of experimentation, research, and development. We invite visitors to observe and engage with respectful curiosity for each individual’s creative process.
Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when visiting a resident’s studio:
Greet the resident! Say hi, introduce yourself, and listen to whatever they have to say. They will often give a brief overview of the projects or works in progress, and mention any relevant studio notes.
Ask before taking photos, and clarify whether or not the images may be shared on social media. If yes, tag accordingly.
Engage with the work. Look at it, think about it, ask questions if the resident seems receptive. Offer observations, as it can be really helpful to tell them how fresh eyes encounter the work. Ask before touching.
Sometimes residents will have material in their studios that is political, explicit, violent, or offensive. Try to engage with this material from a place of curiosity rather than judgement, and always maintain respectful communication.
Be kind, curious, and gracious. On your way out, sign the guest book if you see one, and thank them for sharing their practice.
In addition to the studio visit guidelines, we've found it is very helpful for people to understand our community values and expectations in advance. Please take the time to read through them here.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required.
The address and directions will be shared in advance of the event.
Suggested donation of $25. We welcome donations above or below this amount based on your ability to give.
Surf Point is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Support from a broad base of donors helps us maintain that status by demonstrating public support. Contributions of any amount, including $1, make a difference. Your gift strengthens Surf Point’s public support and sustains our programs for artists and the broader community. Learn more about Surf Point here.
For questions, please contact info@surfpoint.me.
About the residents
Abed Elmajid Shalabi (Richmond, VA)
Abed Elmajid Shalabi is a US-based Palestinian sculptor. Working with ceramic, concrete, aluminum, and found objects, he explores labor and industrialization while interrogating the fragmented legacies of modernization in the Middle East.
Visit Abed’s website here.