Want to Spend Summer Creating Art in the Porcupine Mountains? Apply Here

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced applications are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2016 spring, summer and fall and 2017 winter residencies.

The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists whose work can be influenced by the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park. The park includes 25 miles of shores, four inland lakes, river systems and waterfalls. The park is best known for its eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods, and its variety of flora and fauna.

The Artist-in-Residence Program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park and to express it through their art form. Each year, a number of artists are selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks.

Artists will be given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit.

During their residency, artists will be asked to share their experiences with visitors through public demonstrations or talks. The artists are required to contribute an art piece representative of their stay.

“The donated pieces become part of a permanent collection of the Friends of the Porkies,” said Sherrie McCabe, program director with the Friends group. “The collection has been displayed locally, at the park's visitor center and at the Keweenaw National Historic Park in Calumet. We are always looking for opportunities to display the work and promote both the program and the park.”

Selection of artists will be based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, a willingness to donate a finished piece of art inspired by their stay and the artist’s ability to relate and interpret the park through their art medium. The program is open to all art forms except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the park.

Applications for the 2016 spring, summer and fall and 2017 winter residencies must be received by March 31, 2016. Artists will be notified on or before April 25, 2016.