Artist-in-Residence Program

Northern Lights, Oil, 55" x 19"

NPS / Jennifer Williams, Artist-in-Residence 1998

 

 

Artists in National Parks

Artists have had a long influence on the formation, expansion, and direction of America's national parks. By painting landscapes of the American West, artists publicized natural wonders little known to an eastern populace. Their work helped stimulate the establishment of parks and to foster an appreciation of them.

Today, artists continue to document the landscapes of our national parks with contemporary techniques. These artists translate the park's purpose, as a place of pleasure and preservation, into artwork that brings insight, enjoyment, and understanding.

 

Isle Royale Artist Programs

Artist-in-Residence

Each summer, this program provides three to four artists a two to three week immersion in Isle Royale's wilderness environment. This immersion provides time for the artist to connect to the many moods that only a north woods wilderness can provide. Selected artists must donate a piece of artwork representative of their stay on Isle Royale to the park within one year of their experience.

Emerging Artist Experience

The Emerging Artist Experience is a one-week, shared camping immersion for early-career artists who have begun to develop a focused creative practice but are not yet able to compete for a professional artist-in-residence opportunity. The program combines wilderness immersion with facilitated structure: Mentors guide the selected cohort in artistic skill and professional development.

Teen Artist Exploration

The Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration is for all aspiring teen artists who want to develop their art through experiencing wilderness. It is open to all visual and performing artists, writers, and composers ages 13 to 18 at time of participation.

 

Artist-in-Residence

Artist-in-Residence Program Overview

Overview of the program and program requirements.

How To Apply

Each year, the application period is open January 2 through February 16.

Where Do I Stay?

The park offers the use of the rustic Dassler Cabin at a scheduled time from mid-June through early September.

 

Emerging Artist Experience

Apply to Be an Emerging Artist

Continue to develop your art through wilderness immersion. Apply by February 16.

Emerging Artist Experience Overview

Emerging Artists have an opportunity to immerse themselves in Isle Royale's wilderness for a weeklong experience.

 

Teen Artist Exploration

Teen Artist Exploration Overview

The Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration is open to all aspiring teen artists who want to develop their art through experiencing wilderness.

Apply to Be an Isle Royale Teen Artist

Develop your art through a wilderness experience. Apply by February 16.

 

Experience Past Art

Online Exhibit

Visit our online gallery to see the pieces that our past Artists-in-Residence have created.

Isle Royale Reflections

Isle Royale Reflections from the Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate

 

Program Sponsors

Copper Country Community Arts Center

The CCCAC supports the Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence and Teen Artist Exploration program. Photo Courtesy Bonnie Loukus.

Houghton, MI

Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association

IRKPA is a member-supported, nonprofit cooperating association that supports Isle Royale in many ways. Photo Courtesy Alison Pontynen.