2025 Artists in Residence
Kris Grenier – Artist and long-distance hiker Kris Grenier explores the profound connection between identity and environment by interpreting landscapes through two-dimensional, 100% wool feltings. Known on the trail as “Rainbow Dash,” Grenier has logged nearly 10,000 miles in the backcountry, including a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail that led her to Shenandoah National Park. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and views her artistic role as more than just visual interpretation—she aims to inspire a conservation ethos in those who engage with her work. As a juried artist in the Kentucky Crafted Program, Grenier earned a 2022 Emerging Artist Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council and has presented her work in solo exhibitions across the Ohio Valley. During her residency, she will create woolen portraits of wildflowers in the park, celebrating the small wonders that surround us. Kris was selected as the May artist and will be in the park from May 9 to May 30.Kris is hosting a public program on May 10, 2025 at 10:00am meeting at Byrd Visitor Center.
Michael Bidun – Michael is a South Florida-based nature and wildlife photographer. He captures fleeting moments that often go unseen, such as a bear shaking off water after a salmon hunt or delicate light illuminating a dragonfly’s wings. Drawing inspiration from the extraordinary in the ordinary, Michael uses his photographs to encourage people to care about what they don’t—or can’t—see, often drawing parallels between animal behavior and everyday human experiences. Collectors have acquired his work, local exhibitions have featured it, and he has earned notable recognition in the South Florida art scene. In 2025, he received awards including “Best in Photography” at the Pinecrest Gardens Art & Design Fair and “Artist of Note” at South Miami Art Fest. Michael was selected as the June artist and will be in the park from June 9 to June 30.
Nicki Allen – Nicki is a fiber artist who works with fabric, dyes, needle and thread. For over two decades, she has chosen quilting and fiber arts as her primary medium. While she began with traditional quilt-making, her practice has evolved to include contemporary techniques and artistic expression. Nature serves as her main source of inspiration—its patterns, textures, and rhythms deeply influence her work. She also explores the connection between land and culture, examining how place shapes identity and fuels creativity. Traveling across the country and spending time in several national parks have profoundly shaped her artistic journey. National and international quilt exhibitions have juried in Nicki’s work, and various publications have featured it. A lifelong learner, she constantly refines her techniques and shares her passion through teaching and lectures. Nicki was selected as the July artist and will be in the park from July 11 to August 1.
Chelsie Ruiz Rivera – Chelsie is an author, backpacker and amateur naturalist. Originally from Kentucky, she looks forward to reconnecting with her Appalachian roots in Shenandoah National Park, offering nature writing workshops to park visitors while working on a novel about the Appalachian Trail. Chelsie writes both fiction and nonfiction, exploring themes of nature, otherness and belonging in the South. She coauthored “How to Live in a Chaotic Climate” and earned a Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Georgia College and State University and Agnes Scott College, respectively. Chelsie was selected as the August artist and will be in the park from August 4 to August 25.
Dani Davis – Dani is a printmaker and plant ecologist based in the panhandle of Florida. She grew up exploring the piedmont forests of Georgia, where she fell in love with the flora and ecologies of the Southeast. That early connection continues to inspire her as she studies the interwoven relationships between human and natural systems. As an artist, Dani focuses on reimagining the deep connectivity between these two interdependent worlds, viewing them as intrinsically linked and inseparable. Through block printing, she investigates how fragmentation, species extinction and natural disasters disrupt these connections and reshape entire ecosystems. Dani was selected as the September artist and will be in the park from September 12 to October 3.
Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish – Virginia natives Laura and Kagey of The Honey Dewdrops began touring in 2009 and have called Baltimore, Maryland home for over 10 years. Throughout their two-decade partnership, the Dewdrops have highlighted the power and intimacy of two voices and two instruments in both live performances and recordings. Laura and Kagey constantly push the boundaries of their experimental folk sound—blending electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and clawhammer banjo—while weaving in tight vocal harmonies. They remain committed to deepening their understanding of the world through songwriting and music. Laura and Kagey were selected as the October artists and will be here from October 8 to October 29.
Eligibility
Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Our goal is for these artists to seek and share their artistic inspiration as they explore and experience Shenandoah National Park.
Expectations
The Artist-in-Residence program requires the selected artist to donate an original pieces of art, representative of the artist's style and reflecting the artist's residency within six months of the artist's stay. Selected artist will also be required to present two public programs during their residency. Artists must provide their own supplies during their residency.
Housing
The artists will be housed in a furnished home in the park. The housing is only for the artists. Family members, friends and significant others may not stay in the housing.
