CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Claremont MakerSpace (CMS) is excited to announce illustrator and comic maker Tabitha Randall is the fall 2026 artist in residence. She takes over the residency from outgoing artist John Garoutte, who is also an illustrator and mural artist. This fall program is made possible thanks to support from both the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst program and a sponsorship by Eastern Propane.
Randall is a New Hampshire-born artist specializing in narrative storytelling, character development, and sequential art. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from the Maine College of Art & Design, her diverse practice spans intimate autobiographical comics, psychological horror tales, and evocative standalone illustrations that explore unconventional thematic moments. She shared, “I am currently developing a 12-page autobiographical comic that chronicles my experiences as a recent creative graduate, specifically addressing the professional and mental health challenges encountered during this transition.”
For Randall’s residency community requirement, she plans to work with area high school students, explaining, “I intend to donate a copy of my comic to the Stevens High School art department, where I aim to speak with students about my college experience and provide guidance as they navigate their own creative career paths.” She will also teach classes at Claremont MakerSpace in addition to classes she offers at The Apiary.
Come meet Randall, see some of her work, and learn about her residency plans during an artist reception and open house event on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5-7 p.m., at the Claremont MakerSpace, 46 Main Street in Claremont, N.H. You can also see a some of her prints at the CMS microgallery at the Claremont Common Man Restaurant, and she created the logo selected for the Claremont Art Walk. Follow Randall’s work at www.tabitharandallillustration.com.
Garoutte completed his summer residency in October with the installation of his new mural about Claremont that was installed as part of the Claremont MakerSpace Art Walk, on the exterior of the Latchis Building on Pleasant Street. The residency was sponsored by Canam Bridges, and the community response to his project was extremely positive. “I’m happy to have created a piece of large-scale public art that Claremont residents helped paint and can feel proud of for many years to come,” said Garoutte.
Garoutte has been painting murals since 2021, with work displayed throughout Vermont, in Lebanon, N.H., and now in Claremont. He also creates graphics for snowboards, which is his winter passion. Garoutte’s past work can be viewed on his website, and also at the Common Man microgallery.
“There is so much artistic talent in Claremont and our surrounding region, and we are thrilled to be able to provide support and exposure to these emerging local artists,” said Felicia Dalke, who is the executive director of the Claremont MakerSpace. CMS helped launch the first phase of the Art Walk in the downtown on Oct. 3, in partnership with the city’s arts commission and with the many businesses and organizations that already display and sell modern and historic public art. “The Art Walk is a way for us to shine a spotlight on the growing presence of the arts and crafts in downtown Claremont,” said Dalke.
The artist in residence program is designed to empower New Hampshire- and Vermont-based artists with tools, training, and space to create compelling new work. Each artist receives $1,000 towards the creation of new work during the residency, three months of unlimited membership, a dedicated studio space, and training to use new tools. In return, the artists teach public classes and/or work with local students. The past recipients can be found on the artist in residence program page.
TwinState MakerSpaces, Inc. is the parent company of the Claremont MakerSpace, and it is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. For more information about the Claremont MakerSpace or to schedule a tour, please visit www.claremontmakerspace.org.