MI Porcupine Mountains Art Residences Program: Here's How To Apply

MICHIGAN — If you love nature, then this is something that may interest you.

The Department of Natural Resources is looking for artists to craft the unique northern wilderness setting of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which also known as "the Porkies."

The Artist-in-Residence program is open for this spring, summer and fall, and next winter.

Officials will select writers, composers and all visual and performing artists whose work best relates to and interprets the park through their art medium and a willingness to donate an original, finished piece of art inspired by their stay in the Porkies.

Artists will also be asked to share their experiences with the public through a demonstration or talk during their residencies.

Selected artists will stay in a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River for a minimum of two weeks. Each cabin has an icebox, woodstove, and gas stove. There is no electricity or running water.

Artists can also request a three-night backcountry permit so that each may live in and explore the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails.

To apply, you must fill out an application and submit samples of your work by Feb. 14. Selected artists will be notified by mid-April by phone. The artists will also be posted on the Friends webpage and on Facebook at Friends of the Porkies by the end of April.

You can apply here.

"The Porkies" are located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which encompasses 25 miles of wave-washed shores, four inland lakes, entire river systems, countless waterfalls, enchanted wooded peaks and an escarpment that rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley.