Founded in 1998, Packaging Express, Inc. is a family-owned business and one of the last independent custom corrugated box companies in Colorado. In 2023, owner Matt Davis and his wife Maggie approached Modbo owner Lauren Ciborowski to help create an artist in residency program, and thus P.E.A.R. was born, the Packaging Express Artist-in-Residency. The first artist, whose work is pictured here, was Wendy Mike, who used the space for several months to create a large commission for a waiting room at the St. Francis Hospital Interquest.
The second artist in residence was JD Strandquist Sell, from May of 2024 until May of 2025. A reception will be held for him on Thursday, June 5th, from 5-7 pm at Packaging Express, located at 618 W. Garden of the Gods Road. Sell is a multi-disciplinary artist who focuses on painting, handmade audio/effect machines, and video projection installations.
The intent of the residency is to provide a space for an artist to work for free on a project that requires more space than they would normally have access to, and one with a finite deadline of less than 12 months. Interested artists will submit an initial form to determine their eligibility. Each residency will then end with a closing reception so that the public may honor the artist and experience their work. Interested? Contact The Modbo! For more information on Packaging Express, visit packagingexpress.net
