Artist In Residence Program

 

Update

We are pleased to announce our 2024 Artists-in-Residence! February's artist is Magan Ruthke. March's artist is John Emery. Check our calendar for their public programs and on this page for their completed art. 

 

Lisa Grossman paints an Agate Fossil Beds scene.

NPS Photo

About the Program:

Artists of all mediums (visual, musical, theatrical, literary) are invited to apply for a two-week artistic experience at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

Resident artists are provided the opportunity to submerse themselves in the rich history and scenery of Agate Fossil Beds, using it as inspiration for their work.

Artist residencies are two weeks in length; one in February and one in March. (The specific dates will be discussed with the chosen artist.)

Artists can lodge in our fully furnished, seasonal housing in the park. This allows artists to more fully immerse themselves in the park any time of the day or night. (Such a beautiful bonus to experience the night skies over Agate Fossil Beds for an extended period of time.)

Expectations:

Artist Donation:

Artists provide their own materials and expenses. They produce at least one mutually agreed upon finished product (along with its copyright) representative of their stay at Agate Fossil Beds. It is donated to the park for any and all future uses. The artist retains a non-exclusive use license and may make use of the artwork for personal and professional promotion using the language, "Produced under Artist-in-Residence Program at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument".

Participation as a Volunteer:

Artists also actively engage the public in some manner tailored to their individual medium, experience, and interests. These programs enable the artist to interact with park staff and visitors and share their knowledge and expertise. These may be in the form of participatory workshops, hands-on learning, demonstration, performances, exploratory walks, outreach in classrooms and community, or another means of engagement that aligns with park protocol.

 

Sue King demonstrates her work with a visitor.

NPS Photo

Accommodations:

Artists may stay in a fully furnished house within Agate Fossil Beds. It is a modern 3 bedroom home with a kitchen, laundry room, living room, and sunroom. Depending on other needs in the park at the time, this may be shared housing. A personal vehicle is highly recommended as there is no public transportation in the area. There are small towns at least 20 miles to the north and south of the park, however grocery shopping and other common city ammenities are at least 1 hour away.

Selection Process:

Professional artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument AiR program. Artist will be selected by a jury of park staff and local subject matter experts. Selections will be based solely on the artist’s merit and how their artistic work can advance the mission of the National Park Service. The artist selection jury does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

How to Apply:

Email the park to express your interest in the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument AiR Program. Please include:

• Name
• Artistic Medium
• Indication if you are applying for the February or March residence
• Address
• Telephone
• Email
• Website
• Social Media Link (optional)
• Statement of Purpose: A statement of what you hope to gain through your experience at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, and how you may engage the public while in the AIR program.

More Information:

Learn more about the Artist in Residence program throughout the National Park Service.

 

Apply Now!

Applications for the 2025 Artist in Residence program at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument will be accepted starting in late October 2024.

 

Cultural demonstrator Carol Snow (Seneca) working at Agate Fossil Beds.

Cultural Demonstrators:

Artists with American Indian heritage are also welcome to apply for a related cultural demonstrator program. These artists set up shop in the visitor center on long summer weekends (Friday – Sunday), share their stories, demonstrate their craft, and sell their wares to the public. Shared park housing and some reimbursement for expenses may be available.

Email the park if you are interested being a cultural demonstrator at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

 

Pastel painting by Mary Louise Tejeda Brown of the Niobrara River Valley at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.