Natural History Wanderings

Michael Kabotie, artist in residence at Petrified Forest NP Image via Wikipedia/Public Domain

A not very well-known Artist in Residence Program in the U.S. National Parks

The National Park Artist-in-Residence is a program for two-dimensional visual artists, photographers, sculptors, performers, writers, composers, and craft artists to live and work in the national parks.  The program includes residency in the park and although there is not usually a stipend there may financial help for materials.   Each artist is expected to give an original work to the park on a non-exclusive royalty free basis.  Each park has its own residency program guidelines, which include the number of artists accepted each year, length of residency, application deadlines and decision-making process. A list of parks with program information and contact addresses can be found at this national park link: http://www.nps.gov/archive/volunteer/air.htm

If you are interested in learning more and want to here someone’s experience, read Mel Mann’s two-part story  in the Rocky Mountain School of Photography Blog:
Mel Mann Artist in Residence Part I
Mel Mann Artist in Residence Part II

If you are interested in Artist-in-Residency Programs you might also check out this link which includes the parks as well as other programs: http://www.mesart.com/art/Resources:Artist-in-Residency_Programs