Artists Foster Spirit of International Cooperation on the Chilkoot Trail

Date: December 5, 2011
Contact: Amanda McCutcheon, 907-982-9243

In an ongoing spirit of international cooperation, the National Park Service and the Skagway Arts Council will partner with Parks Canada and the Yukon Arts Center to host an Artist in Residence Program on the Chilkoot Trail. Two artists, one Canadian and one American, will be selected among finalists to spend two weeks on the Chilkoot Trail during the summer of 2012. While on the trail, the artists will not only create art relevant to the cultural and natural history of the trail, but they will interact with park visitors and share stories of how they are motivated by their setting and how this inspires their compositions.

The Artist in Residence Program is a local and international effort designed not only to attract artists to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Alaska) and adjoining Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (British Columbia), but to the communities of Skagway, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory as well. Prior to their journey on the Chilkoot Trail this coming July or August, the Skagway Arts Council will host the two selectees before their departure. While on the trail, the artists will routinely be in contact with backpackers and will facilitate different interpretive programs in conjunction with the National Park Service and Parks Canada. After they complete the trail, the artists will also present a post-backpacking presentation in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Interested artists may apply to the Artist in Residence Program until February 3, 2012. To learn more about the program and to submit an application, visit http://www.skagwayartscouncil.blogspot.com and/or contact Park Education Specialist Amanda McCutcheon at 907-983-9243.