Application Period Open for Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program

The Tannery Falls in the Porcupine Mountains are among the stunning views that will inspire artists on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo)

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Applications currently are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2015 spring, summer and fall and 2016 winter residencies.

The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – also known as “the Porkies.”

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Porkies encompass 25 miles of wave-washed shores, four inland lakes, entire river systems, countless waterfalls, enchanting wooded peaks and an escarpment (or ridge line) that rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley.

Still, the park’s most impressive feature – and the reason for its creation – is the virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods and the variety of flora and fauna that it supports. Because of these attributes, the park is an ideal location to inspire creativity.

The Artist-in-Residence Program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Porkies and to express it through their art form. Each year a number of artists will be 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 so that they 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.

During their residency, artists will be asked to share their experiences with the public through demonstrations or talks. Each artist is required to contribute an art piece (representative of and inspired by their stay) to the Friends of the Porkies’ permanent collection.

Selection of participating artists will be based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, willingness to donate a finished piece of art inspired by their stay in the Porkies, 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.

Residency applications for spring 2015 through winter 2016 must be received by March 31, 2015. Artists will be notified on or before April 25, 2015. Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found at the Friends of the Porkies Web page atwww.porkies.org/artist-in-residence.