Fuller Craft Museum is thrilled to showcase the work of Sirley Cruz, our 2025 Emerging Artist in Residence. This residency program offers a unique summer experience for a Brockton youth artist currently attending secondary school. The emerging artist in residence spends time within the museum while working on a new body of work, experiencing craft materials, and receiving mentorship and professional programming from the museum staff. Here is Sirley Cruz’s experience in her own words:
“My experience with EAIR helped me not only with my art block, but it also helped me learn to be more disciplined. Instead of procrastinating with my art or leaving it as is, even if I’m not satisfied, I put my full effort into these pieces. I was dedicated to these pieces, and each has a personal meaning for me. I like to create for others, but for once, my pieces represent the biggest parts of me.”
Cruz’s practice and work are defined by a refusal to be limited. Currently a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, she has worked in photography, videography, graphic design, mural painting, and more. Both “Love Me, Love Me Not” and “The Versatility of Uniqueness” were painted during her time in the residency program. “Interface” is representative of her current practice.
Sirley Cruz’s paintings give a rich sense of life, from vibrant colors to the imagery of music, computers, and skateboards. There is movement and joy, a fervent affirmation of the power of creativity.
“I never limit myself within my art. I’ve tried multiple mediums like digital and traditional processes, photography, videography, tattooing, clothing design,sewing, glass making, and there are many more I intend to learn. My experience helped me learn that I am bound by nothing.” – Sirley Cruz
Pictured above: Sirley Cruz, Interface, November 12, 2025.
Photo Courtesy of the Artist