Artist-In-Residence
Sculptor H. Erin Aylor carves a totem for Catoctin Mountain Park.
NPS photo
The very first suggestion of a "nation's park" came from artist George Catlin in 1832. Artists have always played a vital role in preserving our nation's treasures. Catoctin Mountain Park and the Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc. support this tradition today through the Artist-In-Residence program. Artists help our national parks with their root mission: conservation and enjoyment. Historic records and technical drawings may help preserve the nuts and bolts of a national park, while the hand of an artist will preserve the park's soul. The artist's work draws the public closer to the park's resources, so that they enjoy it on a deeper level and help to preserve it. Mission Statement: The Catoctin Mountain Artist-In-Residence (AIR) program, under the auspices of the Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc., offers visual, literary, and performing artists an opportunity to work in a natural and historic setting to advance art, nature, and history education and appreciation. 
Carl Braun
Program Overview The Artist-In-Residence will spend two weeks immersed in the natural and cultural resources of the Catoctin Mountains. During this residency, the artist will produce a novel work and share the artistic process with the public. The Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc. conservation area (namely: Catoctin Mountain and areas within two miles of its base, from the Pennsylvania border to the edge of Frederick) boasts many compelling subjects. Here the artist may find many historic sites, farms, quaint villages, rivers and streams, waterfalls, lakes, and other scenic views. Beneath the attractive scenery lies a wealth of modern social subjects: development and conservation, wildlife restoration, suburban sprawl, poverty and affluence, disappearing traditions, ethnic diversity, and plenty more. See the official flier. 
The artist's cabin at Misty Mount
Olin Nave
Accommodations There are four residencies each year: two in May, one in August, and one in October. Spring and Fall accommodations are in a historic log cabin in the woods of Catoctin Mountain Park. The cabin is rustic, but includes fully equipped kitchen and bath. Laundry facilities are available for the artist. 
The artist's campsite in Cunningham Falls State Park.
NPS photo
The Summer residency is in Cunningham Falls State Park. The hardy artist occupies a campsite with electrical hookups suitable for tent or trailer (up to 26 feet). Artists need to bring their own bedding, towels, food, and any art supplies. A park ranger will provide orientation to the area, information about art stores, and discuss sharing the artistic process with the public.
Artist-In-Residence Carl Braun
NPS photo
All we ask... Public interaction Artists are asked to engage in a public presentation piece during their residency. The form of this presentation can be selected by the artist and the park ranger at the beginning of the residency. The Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc. will conduct a well-publicized and juried gala art exhibit during the month of October of works done by artists-in-residence. The exhibit may also feature works by students and adults participating in the fine-arts education programs coordinated by the CFA. As a condition of residency under most circumstances, the artist is asked to donate a work created on the mountain to the Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc. (CFA) as a tax-deductible gift. The CFA will retain the rights to the work for display and for promotion of conservation, history, and the arts. 
Application Amateur and professional artists of two- and three-dimensional arts, photographers, videographers, writers, and poets are encouraged to apply. In the future, we expect to open the program to musicians and other performing artists. The Catoctin Forest Alliance, Inc. will accept applications no later than February 15 for spring residencies, and no later than May 15 for summer and fall residencies. The application requires:
PLEASE NOTE - No submissions sent to the park will be returned to the artist. Please submit materials to: -or- Artist-In-Residence Program |
Did You Know?
Visitors in Catoctin Mountain Park may gather morel mushrooms for personal consumption. Morels are found in a variety of habitats but generally they seem to be found in wet soil that is high in organic matter and shaded by trees, especially hardwoods. Favorite locations are closely guarded secrets!