Summer Arts Residencies: Rachel Murdy, Performance & Song
Come experience Rachel’s work!
GOMO and TAYLOR: the ghost and Ms. Swift
Doors open 7p | Thurs 8/20
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation
Refreshments will be served
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com
I HATE MUSICALS: characters singing solo
Doors open 7p | Sat 8/29
$10-30 suggested sliding scale donation
Refreshments will be served
RSVP to rachelmurdy@gmail.com
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY: “I will first develop a show with musician Matthew Milligan, vocalist Berit Johnson and dramaturg Denise King. It will star my alter-ego GOMO the ghost. GOMO has spent his afterlife thus far learning how to be the best posthumous musical entertainer he can from luminaries of popular American music. He has dedicated himself to a musical education performing the songs of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen. This Summer he takes on the work of super-star Taylor Swift accompanied by his long-time earthly guitarist Double M 2000 and new assistant (and Swifty) Denise King. GOMO will present a workshop production of a Taylor Swift tribute show at SMUSH Gallery. Ms.Taylor Alison Swift will appear and perform with him.
Then for the rest of my residency, I will work on another musical-character project assisted by longtime creative collaborator and vocalist Margi Sharp Douglas and new collaborator and singer Claire Donnelly. As a devotee of SMUSH’s WORK/SHARE I have created dozens of 3 to 4 minute videos or live-on-Zoom presentations of songs sung by characters I have created. Part 2 of my SMUSH Artist-Residency 2026 will be an opportunity to work on a half a dozen or so brand new singing-portraits myself and feature Margi and Claire in a portrait a piece with my curation and direction. The work will culminate in a live performance at the gallery.”
This habituated and enriching stage performer, director, singer, and character actress has considered SMUSH an artistic-home since 2017. Murdy is often seen with her equally iconic Chihuahua, Bibi.
Follow the artist for more updates on their residency and events! @rachelbmurdy @gomotheghost @rachelmurdyandbibi | Website
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Since 2018, SMUSH Summer Arts Residencies have offered artists the chance to enjoy the “gallery as studio" with self-directed time for generative work. Open to all disciplines, our residencies are an exceptional opportunity for artists to feed their creative practice with studio work, rehearsal, performance, and exhibition.