Artist-in-Residence Program

 

2017 Artist-in-Residence Erin Anfinson at work on her animation project

Erin Anfinson

Artist-in-Residence Program Details:

Wanting to apply? Read below on what to include with your application!

2026 Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

2026 Selection Timeframe: Late March to early-April

What is required of the Artist during the residency:

• Sign up through the park as a volunteer during their time as as an AIR.
• Work an average of 40 hours per week in the park or other approved locations.
• Present one public program.
• Donate one or more items to the park.

Application Requirements:

1. Statement of Purpose - Please explain what you hope to accomplish during your residency, how you plan to use park themes in your work, and what you hope to contribute as a program and donation.

Also describe how you will:

a) use the stay to contribute to your artistic development; and

b) what you will contribute to benefit the park. In addition, we desire artists who want to be visible and interact with visitors. Please also include your vision of sharing your art with the public in at least one public program. (no more than one page)

2. List of desired dates - please be specific.

3. List of exhibitions and/or teaching experiences.

4. Samples of artwork (no originals) - Please send prints or digital copies of 6 images.

5. Contact information for 3 professional references

Please submit your application either by email or by hard copy using either address listed below: Email: [e-mail]

Herbert Hoover NHS-Artist in Residence Program 110 Parkside Dr. West Branch, IA 52358

Further Information:

We will be offering the possibility of two residencies of 2 to 3 weeks in length, and will take place during the months of May through August. Please list date preferences for your residency as part of your application. Housing may be provided in the park if needed. Mileage reimbursement may be available for local commuters. Willingness to share your inspiration with others is a central tenet of the Artist-in-Residence Program. Resident artists are asked to present one public program during their residency. These presentations should be based on the artist’s work, experiences, and interests, and may include workshops, discussions, demonstrations, etc. All programs should be developed in consultation with park staff, and should be appropriate for general park audiences. Painters, potters, sculptors, and other artists, when appropriate, will be encouraged to work daily in view of park visitors. The artist is requested to donate an original work which embodies one of the two themes that the park has listed above. Any donated artwork must be received within three months of the residency. All expenses for materials and for delivery of the artwork to the park is the responsibility of the artist. Artists will permit park staff to photograph artwork created and programs given during the residency. The artist will sign a photo release to the National Park Service for use of images of the artwork from the residency, and images of activities associated with the residency. Donated artwork and/or associated images will not be used for commercial purposes, but may be used for education or interpretation by the National Park Service or Eastern National, the monument’s cooperating association.

Lodging & Area Information:

The park may have lodging available for free in one of the historic within the park. Water, electricity, and gas are included. The house may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. The house is furnished and air-conditioned. It should have wireless internet. A washer and dryer are included. The kitchen is fully furnished. The park will provide sheets, blankets, and towels. Churches, medical care, groceries, and a library are available in West Branch (population 2,500). Iowa City (population 70,000) located 10 miles west, offers excellent medical care, cultural, and recreational activities.

Art in the Parks:

Artists throughout history have evoked emotions, captured moments, and shown us the world through a myriad of mediums. They convey big ideas through a unique lens and allow us to not only soak in beauty but gain a new perspective. Artists have been intimately tied to national parks since the 19th century, when painters such as Thomas Moran documented the unbelievable landscapes of the American West. These artists played a crucial role in stimulating the establishment, visitation, and appreciation of these national parks. Today, artists still find inspiration in national parks and continue to help us make meaningful connections to our nation's special places.

Through our Artist-in-Residence program, we invite artists of all varieties to spend time living and working at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. These artists channel their individual talent into one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the Hoover story and prairie environment. The opportunity to live and work at Hoover NHS benefits the selected professional artist as well as those who will experience their artwork today and in the future. To find other Artist-in-Residence programs in the National Park Service, click here.

For other opportunities nationwide, the National Park Service's Artist-in-Residence Program promotes the creative means of communicating the national significance.