Artist-in-Residence Program

John B. Fairbanks painting Zion Canyon

Courtesy of the Clark Family, Tooele, Utah

Meet Zion's 2020 Artists-in-Residence

Three artists have been selected to serve as Artists-in-Residence in Zion National Park in 2020. These artists were selected from a large pool of applicants representing a broad spectrum of art forms. Please look for the following artists during their residency dates.

Chris Jordan
Residency Dates: January 21 - February 2, 2020
Photographer. Seattle, WA

Margaret Dilloway
Residency Dates: February 3 - February 27, 2020
Writer. San Diego, CA

William Sillin
Residency Dates: October 19 - November 16, 2020
Painter. Sunderland, MA

Resident artists spend 30 days living in a historic cabin in Zion National Park. They explore and surround themselves in the sights, sounds, textures, and wonders of Zion to find inspiration for their work. Each artist conducts two public presentations on their work and residency experience. Date, time, and location of these presentations will be announced closer to each artist's residency.

Art and Landscape Preservation
Artists have long painted, photographed, and written about the scenic beauty and natural wonders of the American West. Wide publication of the work of early western artists in the 19th century gave eastern residents the chance to see and dream about landscapes beyond the boundaries of their own neighborhoods and towns. Through their images, these early artists helped promote the idea of landscape preservation and tourism, while also playing an influential role in the establishment of our nation's first national parks.

Zion National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program continues the tradition of these early artists. Inspired by the natural and cultural features that make these preserved landscapes unique, artists use traditional and modern artistic techniques to express their interpretation of the park. Their work provides enjoyment and inspiration to park visitors and contributes to the ongoing conversation about the value of wild places and nature.

Zion's Artist in Residence Program

The Zion National Park Artist in Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live and work in the majestic desert environment of southern Utah for a period of one month. Four artists will be selected for two spring and two fall residency slots. All visual (painters, photographers, sculptures, etc.), performing (drama, dance, music, composition, etc.) and literary artists are welcome to apply. International applicants are not being accepted at this time.

The work completed under this program will contribute to the public understanding and appreciation of Zion National Park and should reflect the National Park Service's mission to preserve and protect the park's cultural and natural resources.

When in Residence the artist is highly independent, but is expected to present two public programs tailored to an individual's medium, interest, experience, and audience. Holding periodic open studio hours is also encouraged and interacting with the public while in the park is required.

Upon conclusion of the Residency, participating artists are given up to six months to finish work inspired by the Residency. An original piece representative of the Residency will then be donated to Zion National Park. The work may be placed in the Park's permanent museum collection, interpretive collection, or, in partnership with the Zion Natl Park Forever Project, may be used in other ways to financially support the park's Artist in Residence programming. You can view some of the donated artwork on our website.

 

Selected artists will have the chance to translate the beauty of Zion into works that may bring new insights, enjoyment, and understanding of this desert sanctuary.

Selection Process

A jury of representatives from Zion National Park and the Southern Utah University Department of Art and Design will review submitted materials and interview the top candidates. Selections will be made on the basis of merit and understanding of the mission of the National Park Service. Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, marital status, or age.

The application for Zion's 2021 residency program is available, with an application deadline of July 31st.

 

The Artist in Residence program will invite professional writers, composers, and all visual artists to pursue their particular art form while surrounded by the inspiring landscape of the park.

For additional information, please contact the Artist-in-Residence Program coordinators by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 435-772-0184 (Volunteer Coordinator) or 435-772-0146 (Museum Curator).