We are excited to welcome interdisciplinary artist Lilia Hernandez Galusha and dancer/pychotherapist Sara McIntyre for an Alembic Parent Residency at Performance Works NW from June 2025 through March 2026. We also wish to thank panelists Oluyinka Akinjiola, Muffie Delgado Connelly, and Linda K. Johnson for their thoughtful consideration of all the applicants.
Originally from Torreon Coahuila, Mexico, Lilia Hernandez Galusha is a mother, interdisciplinary artist and storyteller. She grew up in Arkansas, but has lived in Portland, OR since 2017. Lilia graduated with a BFA from the University of Arkansas in 2012 and later obtained her MFA from the Applied Craft + Design program in Portland, OR. Her interdisciplinary work consists of printmaking, textiles, drawing, writing and whatever medium is needed to tell a story. She tells stories of immigration, family, motherhood and self discovery. She believes it’s important to exchange our stories so we can better understand the stories our bodies never experienced and connect to the people with similar narratives. Lilia’s art practice is a continuous effort in trying to link the body, mind and heart for the purpose of healing herself while connecting with others.
Sara McIntyre (she/her) is a board-certified dance/movement therapist, licensed psychotherapist, mama, dance artist and movement enthusiast living in Milwaukie, OR. Sara recognizes movement as our first mode of communication, expression and memory-making as humans. She is particularly curious about the stories our bodies hold and embodied storytelling.
In her professional life, Sara utilizes traditional therapy methods and dance/movement therapy to support client work in exploring the connection between mind and body for self-exploration, processing, healing and reconnection. Sara attended Lesley University for her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy.
In her artist life, Sara has a love for any dance art that is barefoot. Her choreographic works often explores themes that are true to her lived experience or musings for further exploration. Sara enjoys incorporating pedestrian experiences and traditional dance movement patterns. She attended Western Oregon University for her bachelor’s in dance and psychology.
We want to create a space for community building and sharing that takes us into a way of being that connects us all, regardless of identities: embodiment. For this residency, we are interested in holding space and guiding birthing bodies through an investigation of their body birth story. The process will be a community offering and chance for birthing people to embody their experience and truly see others in the most human way.
—Lilia & Sara
Performance Works NW || Linda Austin Dance 