One River Zen in Ottawa, in partnership with the Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund, has selected writer Alexandria Braboy and artist David Arthur for an eight-week residency focused on the intersection of art, community and Zen practices.

Braboy and Arthur were introduced at a bonfire event Saturday, Sept. 20, at One River Zen, 121 E. Prospect Ave. The public was invited to join for cider and an open discussion on Zen and creativity.

Braboy, from La Salle, holds degrees in creative writing and journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has worked in journalism and grantwriting since 2013 and focuses on storytelling that inspires transformative change.

Arthur, a Springfield native now based near Peoria, is a draftsman, painter and professional tattoo artist with 20 years of experience. His work spans various styles, with a focus on beauty, nature and spirituality using watercolor and alcohol markers.

For more information, contact René Parks Wendinger, administrator of the Arts of Starved Rock Country, at rene@srccf.org. The Arts of Starved Rock Country is part of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.