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 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.

Artists are encouraged to stay four weeks, but a two week minimum is still acceptable. A panel of National Park Service 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 required.
• National Park Service (NPS) Mission and Park Interpretive Themes
  Artists’ proposals should be site specific to Guadalupe Mountains National Park and support the park’s interpretive themes.
  • 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 have come together to experience the unique challenges and environment of this Chihuahuan Desert landscape.
  • Primary Topics of Guadalupe Mountains National Park include:
    • Cultural History. The park preserves resources from thousands of years of human occupation and activities, including American Indian, African American, and European American exploration, settlement, transportation, and trade. Oral traditions document diverse livelihoods, stewardship practices, adaptations, and spiritual connections to the mountains and offer invaluable perspectives to inform contemporary management choices.
    • Environmental Protection. Park ecological communities are inseparable from those of surrounding areas; the health and survival of natural and human communities are linked in complex and shifting relationships. Issues such as air pollution, habitat fragmentation and loss, climate change, and decreasing biodiversity concern park visitors, some of the park’s neighbors, and challenges park managers.
    • Wilderness. The park manages its designated wilderness to retain its primitive character and enhance its natural condition. This wilderness provides a foundation for healthy, diverse ecosystems and offers humans opportunities for reflection, challenge, research, respite, and renewal.

• 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

The park’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program has two residencies each year. Each residency is two to four weeks long.(April 15 – May 15 and October 15 – November 15). Exact time commitments are negotiable and will vary by artist and medium.Our call for artists-in-residence opens twice a year.

• The Spring residency application period will be open October 21, 2025 - November 16, 2026.
• The Fall residency application period will be open January 15, 2026 - February 15, 2026.

We want to challenge artists to create new and interesting ways for visitors to experience the park through the arts. This residency is for artists who wish to engage with our visitors, staff, and volunteers. Housing is available.

Applying artists must submit materials electronically to our Artisit In Residence Coordinator with AIR in the subject line. Materials should include:

• A resume (not exceeding 2 pages) that highlights education, experience, and training along with skills in presenting public education programs related to art; a summary of creative works and, if applicable, professional brochures or similar publications.
• A brief biography and promotional photo for use on the park’s website, and in promotional materials.
• Visual artists must submit images in a digital format which has resolution adequate for viewing on screen. One to ten images may be submitted. Images are viewed on a computer monitor, so full-resolution images are not necessary and due to a 20Mb file size limit not accepted. Artists may submit up to two emails containing up to five images each.
• Writers must submit representative prose, short stories, plays or poetry that reflects their ability. A maximum of 10 pages may be submitted.
• Musicians and composers must submit lyrics and audio recordings of their work. One to three songs may be submitted.
• A brief statement from applicant stating what she/he hopes to achieve from a residency in Guadalupe Mountains National Park and how their work will benefit the park’s mission.
• Artists will present two programs to the public. Please include a title, brief description of the program, and the maximum number of participants. Two different programs may be presented, or the same program may be presented twice.

PLEASE NOTE - Submissions sent to the park will not be returned to the artist.

For further information, or to apply, contact the park by email or phone at:
AIR Coordinator
915.828.3251