Denali Seeking Artists and Writers for 2012 Artists-in-Residence Program

Date: September 1, 2011
Contact: Tim Rains, [phone]

Denali National Park and Preserve is seeking applications from visual artists and, for the first time, writers for the 2012 Artist-in-Residence Program. The program is in its eleventh year at Denali, and many of the works created by artists-in-residence from previous years are on display in the Denali Visitor Center and the Eielson Visitor Center.

"These interpretations of the park's landscape, wildlife, and cultural history, as portrayed through the skills of professional artists, are a wonderful means to help our visitors better understand and appreciate the beauty and complexity of this great national treasure," said Superintendent Paul Anderson.

Applications for the 2012 season must be submitted online by September 30, 2011. Notification letters will be sent out by December 15, 2011.

Selected artists reside in the historic East Fork cabin, located 43 miles into the park, for a ten day period between June and mid-September. In return for their residency, each artist donates a piece of artwork or written piece that was inspired by their time in the park, to the park's collection. Artists also offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency.

The Artist-in-Residence program is a national program that enables established artists to reside in a park while they create park-related art. Artists have played a significant role in raising public awareness of the natural wonders preserved within the National Park System and the need for their protection since the creation of Yellowstone, the first national park.