Seeking a creative reset following the spring semester, Criswell reconnected with Mirjam C. Wendt, a Berlin-based arts organizer he originally met during a 2016 residency. While using the studio to focus on his own practice, Criswell also consulted with Wendt on the development of a new, invite-only international residency program that has already begun hosting other Kansas City artists.

Immersing himself in Berlin’s vibrant, DIY arts scene, Criswell spent his days balancing cultural exploration with dedicated studio time. His itinerary included attending talks by rising local artists like Zohar Freiman and sketching botanical prints at the Gemäldegalerie. Working primarily in easily transportable gouache, Criswell noted that the city's fast-paced environment deeply informed his work, which explores the intensity of modern life and digital media. He embraced the unpredictability of his trip, like getting lost while replacing a broken suitcase. This spontaneity directly influenced his paintings, resulting in works that were "delightful departures" from his initial plans.

Now back in the KCAI classroom this fall semester, Criswell is translating his European retreat into actionable advice for his fourth-year painting students. After observing dozens of emerging artists at a Berlin open studio event, he noted that while many possessed strong technical skills, their work sometimes lacked conceptual rigor. He is now challenging his students to push beyond pure craft and finding the importance of thinking deeply through materials and applying rigorous research to their process. Looking ahead, Criswell hopes to continue bridging the Kansas City and Berlin art communities, having received a formal invitation to participate in Wendt's newly developed residency program in 2027.