Artist Daniel Bernard Gray creates sun prints at Painted Desert Inn, Aug 2014
NPS
Artists impacted the formation, expansion, and direction of our national parks. They gave glimpses of the American landscape to people that may never visit those lands, creating connections through photography and painting. Still today, artists using a wide variety of media draw inspiration from park lands. Petrified Forest National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program continues the tradition of arts in the parks. Founded in 2006 as part of the park's Centennial Celebration, the program brings artists to the park in order to share their inspirations, ideas, and artwork with the public.
Musician Brack Morrow (APR 2014) explains his Mobile Music Instrument
NPS
The Artist-In-Residence Program offers artists the opportunity to pursue their discipline while immersed in the park landscape. Selected artists stay in park housing for a selected period of time each month of the year. No stipend is provided. Artists must be prepared to work in high desert, summer weather conditions that include high winds, low relative humidity, and temperatures reaching 100 F (38 C) during the day and lows reaching 35 F (2 C) at night.
Painted Desert Inn Casita
NPS
Housing
Housing is isolated and located two miles into the park from the north entrance. Wi-Fi service is limited due to the isolated location of the park (23 miles to nearest services) and location of housing within the park. Artists-in-Residence are required to have their own mode of transportation to, from, and within the park. There is no public transportation.
Holbrook Historic Depot Art Show
NPS
Artwork
Upon completion of the residency, participating artists will donate to the park one original piece of artwork from, and representative of, their residency in Petrified Forest National Park. Artwork from visual artists should be framed with glass or prepared for hanging before donation. The donated artwork becomes property of the National Park Service, Friends of Petrified Forest, or the Petrified Forest Museum Association. Artwork may be accessioned into the park's permanent museum collection, used in exhibits, used for educational purposes, and/or auctioned by partner entities. The artist retains a royalty-free, nonexclusive use license under the copyright of the art.
Artist-in-Residence talk at the Painted Desert Inn NHL
NPS
Artists are expected to present at least one public program during their residency. This interaction can be tailored to an individual's medium, interest, and experience for park visitors. Local Scouts are also interested in interacting with the artists. Programs can be demonstrations, talks, exploratory walks, or performances. In addition to the park, the nearby community college art department or public library can be used as a public program venue. Artists are responsible for providing their own supplies and equipment for this residency and all public presentations.
Artist Brad Bachmeier gives a pottery demonstration at the Historic Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook, Arizona, July 2014
NPS
How to Apply
The application process for the 2020 Artist-in-Residence Program is now open from August 15th through October 31st . Send the following documents to Jacob Holgerson at jacob_holgerson@nps.gov to apply:
Cover Letter - A brief introduction explaining your artwork, your process, and why you want to come to Petrified Forest National Park
Resume or CV - No more then 2 pages.
A link to an online portfolio or a document showcasing your art.
Please title the subject line in the email Artist-in-Residence Application 2020. Applications will be accepted no later than October 31st. Once the application process is closed, 10 applicants will be chosen. All applicants will be notified by December 1st if they were selected. Should you have any questions about the program, please call (928) 526-1157 x238. Thank you and good luck!
Meet the Artists
Be sure to check our Calendar for upcoming art demonstrations and presentations.
