The Artist in Residence
Michigan State Capitol
The Artist in Residence is a distinguished role dedicated to preserving the fine art legacy and visual history of the Michigan State Capitol. As the current appointee, Joshua Adam Risner serves as creative consultant and curator of fine art, ensuring that the art of the Capitol is meticulously preserved for many generations to come. By maintaining these high standards across all art-related endeavors, Joshua ensures that portraits of Michigan’s governors and legislative leaders are executed with 19th-century academic rigor and museum-grade archival stability.
Outside of his official duties at the Capitol, Joshua maintains a private practice out of his studio, Rabbit Hill Art Studio, where he takes commissions for judicial, executive, and family legacies.
The Living Presence
Joshua’s work is defined by an uncompromising standard of psychological likeness, capturing the distinct spirit and vitality of the subject. This is achieved through a complex, multi-layered paint surface—utilizing traditional glazes and sophisticated scumbles to create a depth of color and texture that a flat photograph cannot replicate. The result is a portrait that feels "alive," possessing an optical vibration and tactile richness that commands its environment.