Artist In Residence

2021 Artist in Residence use vintage cloth and fabrics to create a display about energy conservation and line drying of laundry

NPS Photo

 

Artist in Residence Mariah Reading (2017 & 2021) created eco art using found trash as a medium to paint landscapes.

NPS Photo

The Artist-in-Residence Program offers professional writers, composers, and all visual/performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while surrounded by the inspiring landscape of the park. The program is intended for artists working in a variety of mediums. One or more artists may be selected each year for our residency program. Professional two-dimensional visual artists, sculptors, musicians, writers, crafts persons, and photographers are encouraged to apply.

Program Information

Selection is based on artistic merit as demonstrated by the examples submitted, the ideas expressed in the statement of purpose, and the willingness to accept the conditions of the national park residency opportunity.

The summer residency is reserved for emerging artists (less than five years of professional experience). The spring and fall residencies are open to both established and emerging artists. Artists are encouraged to stay four weeks, but a two week minimum is still acceptable. A panel of National Park Service and community representatives chooses the artists and alternates.

The selection committee will evaluate the artist's proposal and submitted work using the following criteria:

• Artistic Merit
  Artistic quality and merit of the work submitted.

• Opportunities for Public Enjoyment
  The artist’s proposed plans to “give back” to the park and community. Presentations that involve audience participation are preferred.
• National Park Service (NPS) Mission and Park Interpretive Themes
  Artists’ proposals should be site specific to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, support the park’s interpretive themes, and focus on issues such as ecology, the environment, conservation, historic and/or cultural topics, and other themes relevant to the park.
  • National Park Service Mission
    The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
  • Park Interpretive Themes
    • Accessibility
      The inaccessible nature of this landscape has shaped the movement and lives of a wide variety of living things.
    • Adaptation
      Animals, people, and plants have adapted to survive and thrive in this environment.
    • Experiences
      The Guadalupe Mountains have long been a place where people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives have come together to experience the unique challenges and environment of this Chihuahuan Desert landscape.

• Statement of Intent
  The quality of the artist’s Statement of Intent including the importance of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park experience to the artist’s work.

To Apply

Application information for the 2025 Artist In Residence program will be available in early 2024.