• Double O Arch

    Arches

    National Park Utah

Community Artist Program - How to Apply

The Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) serves from April 1 through mid-November. The minimum time requirement is four days of activity per month and time spent in each of the four park units during your tenure. The CAIP is also required to conduct at least one community outreach event (e.g. a lecture or workshop). This is a volunteer position, but there is the opportunity to sell your work in Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) outlets (specific sales arrangements will be made between the Community Artist in the Parks and CNHA). You are responsible for transportation and materials costs. You also receive excellent exposure and an yearly entrance pass to the Southeast Utah Group (SEUG): Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments.

The CAIP visits locations throughout the four NPS units and creates art on-site. It is also possible to create/display work at the Visitor Centers. Your medium must be such that you can transport materials to foot-accessed locations in a reasonable manner. For example, Chad Niehaus, the 2009 CAIP, created linoleum block prints during his tenure, and was able to pack his entire materials kit into a small backpack. Pete Apicella, the 2010 CAIP, worked with bold colored markers, colored pencils and found paper. Kathy Cooney, 2011 CAIP, created watercolors plein air and at the Visitor Center.

It is important for the CAIP to be comfortable explaining his/her medium, process, and inspiration. This isn't easy for every artist. You will be asked fairly frequently why you do the things you do, how you do them, etc. Ask yourself if you are interested in this element of the artistic process. If you are, you will enjoy the CAIP program tremendously.

Looking for More?
Read about "A Day in the Life" of a community artist, or checkout some frequently asked questions.

Applications for the 2013 Community Artist in the Parks will be accepted in February, 2013.

APPLICATION CRITERIA

The successful applicant will:

  • be a Grand or San Juan County resident (Utah)
  • have a portable medium
  • create an approachable, interaction-friendly atmosphere
  • commit to at least four days per month from April through mid-November
  • commit to attending a 2 hour orientation and 4 days of training
  • provide a detailed schedule of locations and dates , short artist statement and photograph to NPS and CNHA staff in advance
  • conduct a minimum of one community outreach event
  • create a summary pod cast and art display
  • have the opportunity to sell art product(s) at CNHA outlets

Did You Know?

Pinyon Pine

Pinyon pines do not produce pine nuts every year. These delicious nuts can only be harvested every three to seven years. This irregular schedule prevents animals from adapting to an abundance of pine nuts and guarantees that at least some nuts will become new pine trees instead of a quick meal.