Artist-In-Residence

 

Introduction

Over the last century, artists have had an enduring connection with national parks. Their paintings and photographic records exposed these natural wonders to a population often unaware of their existence. Today, national parks continue to inspire artists. In turn, those artists create art that excites millions of people about national parks and builds awareness and fosters stewardship of these beautiful public lands and historic sites.

Shenandoah National Park's Artist-in-Residence program offers artists a chance to live and work in this exceptional environment. The works completed during the program will serve, through the creativity of the selected artists, to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Shenandoah National Park. The Park's Artist-in-Residence program is supported by a generous donation from the Shenandoah National Park Trust. View the gallery of donated pieces by visiting the Shenandoah National Park Trust's website here.

 

2026 Shenandoah National Park Artist in Residence Applications Now Open

For more information and to apply, please visit the Call for Entry website.

Applications for the 2026 Artist in Residence program are open until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, January 13th. Artists will be provided with a $1,200 stipend. Each artist will have a furnished home to themself. Cell signal is unlikely, but the home has wifi.

2026 Residency Dates:

• May 4 to May 25, 2026
• June 2 to June 23, 2026
• June 29 to July 20, 2026
• July 28 to August 18, 2026
• October 6 to October 27, 2026

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, though an additional $100 stipend is available to support public programs.

Eligibility

Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply, however Artists in Residence must be at least 18 years old and provide their own transportation to and within the park for the duration of the residency. Housing is only provided to the artists. Family members, friends and significant others may not stay in the housing.

We will not consider any forms of art that manipulate or disturb the park's natural and cultural landscape. Selected artist must comply with all National Park Service and Shenandoah National Park regulations and policies. Sale of art in Shenandoah National Park during the residency is prohibited.

 

Previous Artists

Watch this featured video and more here.

 

Duration:

24 minutes, 46 seconds

Learn how Artist-in-Residence Nancy Hershberger makes art quilts that inspire others to get out and explore Shenandoah National Park!

Watch on YouTube