Late January and early February were quite busy. I applied for seven Artist Residencies in our National Parks. Each application was challenging to write, demanding of my time and a huge commitment, requiring a thorough examination of my portfolio for the “right” kind of images to send. Most of the applications require a 1-2 page statement of intent, a small sampling of 4-8 images, letters of recommendations, and curriculum vitae. And all applications include a proposal for the project I plan to complete during the residency.
The residencies provide an opportunity to devote 2-4 weeks’ time in a cabin or other rustic accommodations, time devoted to making art, and sharing that process with visitors. Artists chosen for this prestigious and competitive award are also required to make a public presentation while at the park, and to donate one piece of art within a year of their residency.
After writing my proposals for each park, and the statement of intent, I handed off the word doc to my friend, Jade, who is a technical and creative writer. She added her “polish pro”, making suggestions and embellishment. Thanks to her, the work was completed on time and now I turn over the results to my higher power.
Artist in Residence Applications 2015
- Acadia National Park, chosen for June 2015 Residency
- Crater Lake National Park, chosen for May 2015 Residency
Other applications, not offered a residency in 2015
- North Cascades National Park, Stehekin
- North Cascades National Park, Skagit
- Glacier National Park
- Isle Royale National Park
- Petrified Forest National Park
Applications for 2016 Residencies:
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Zion National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Glacier National Park
- Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore
Results:
Chosen for Residency at Acadia National Park, the coordinator asked me to choose any 4 weeks between November 2014 and June 2015. After consulting with my friends in Maine, I chose June of 2015. I will be making art and photography based at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor. Oh Yeah.
I am excited (to say the least) to be chosen for a residency at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. I will be creating images at the Lake from May 1-15, 2015. At this very moment, I am using Google maps to outline a rough travel plan.
I plan to fly to Maine and will be the Artist in Residence at the Schoodic Institute from June 5-25, 2015
In 2016 I have been the Artist in Residence at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming, Glacier National Park in Montana, and Mesa Verde in Colorado.
Kit Frost 