Artist-in-Residence Program @ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP 2018
The main purpose of the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program at our site is to help our visitors connect with the landscape through art and the artistic process. Unlike some sites, we don't expect, though in some case may accept, a finished work of art for our collection. However, the artist must engage in a variety of outreach opportunities. These include at a miniumum:
Demonstrating art at one of our public events such as Trek to Taste (early June), Labor and Leisure Day (early September), or Forest Festival (late September).
Teaching between one and three free workshops for the public in your preferred medium in partnership with Artistree Community Art Center.
Hosting an "open studio" at the Horse Shed for at least three days during your residency, with at least two days on the weekends.
Exhibiting or perfoming your work at either the park or Artistree.
Other opportunities include:
Presenting a talk about the connection between your art and the park's collection or themes
Participating in a dialogue about art and conservation with a small group
Delivering art-themed tours of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller mansion
Offering art workshops to school children
Anything else you'd like to try that connects people to place through art!
Background
The park was established to interpret the history of conservation, and the history of conservation demonstrates the powerful role that art has played in the evolution of environmental thought and the perservation public lands in the United States.
Much of the art in the park's extensive collection reflects this idea. The Billings' Hudson River School paintings and Carleton Watkins Yosemite print helped inspire the early National Park movement. Many pieces from the Rockefeller era - from photographs to sculpture - also capture important dimensions of the evolution of the conservation idea. For more than ten years, the park has welcomed an Artist-in Residence to contribute to that ongoing legacy of art inspired by and informing conservation.
The program has evolved over the years, and we customize it a little each year to suit the artist involved. Visit our Artist-in-Residence page to learn about previous artists at the park.
Details
The Horse Shed is available for studio use and storage during the residency. This modern renovation of a historic building is off the grid, powered by photovoltaic cells, and features electricity, running water, and a restroom. The buidling is heated when in use. It is located a short wall from the Visitor Center.
Traditionally, the park has not had housing available for the residency. However, this year, thanks to a partnership with Artistree, a short-term lodging may be available. This means two differnce models are possible for this year's AIR program:
The artist secures their own acommodation. Many of our past artists have been "local" (within a few hours of the park), or have friends or family living in the area. In these cases, the duration of the residencey may vary, and does not need to be continuous, but will generally take place between spring and fall. We have had artists in the park daily for several weeks straight, or artist who come for a single day a couple times a month over the course of a season.
The artist resides in a house owned by ArtisTree in Pomfret, VT, approximately 10 minutes from the park. This would be a continuous residence for two to three weeks.
Compensation for the residency will be $2500.
Applications
A complete application consists of:
A cover letter describing your art, your reasons for seeking the Artist-in-Residence position at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP; how your work speaks to conservation, working lands, and/or the environment; and your ideas for the education/outreach component of the residency.
A representative digital portfolio of your work (note the maximum attachment size for one email is ~15MB. If your portfolio will be larger than this, either send it across several emails, or get in touch about alternative mechanisms for submission.)
Deadlines:
February 9 - March 12, 2018 (Accepting complete application packages).
Email packages to: e-mail us (Stephanie Kyriazis)
Chief of Interpretation, Eduation and Visitor Services
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
(During the application period, contact Stephanie to discuss any questions about the potential to customize the program based on your circumstances: 802-457-3368 x218). Selection: End of March
