Zion National Park Accepting 2015 Artist-in-Residence Applications

Zion National Park is now accepting applications for its 2015 Artist-in-Residence program. Application instructions are posted on Zion’s website at www.nps.gov/zion/supportyourpark/artist-in-residence.htm. All application materials must be submitted by mail and postmarked by July 16, 2014 and received by July 21, 2014.

Four artists will be selected for two spring and two fall residency slots. Artist selections will be made and announced in October. All visual (painters, photographers, sculptures, etc.), performing (drama, dance, music, composition, etc.) and literary artists are welcome to apply.

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. This call for artists applies to four sessions: February 2 – March 3, 2015, April 1 – 30, 2015, September 1 - 30, 2015, and October 15 - November 13, 2015.

Zion National Park works in conjunction with Southern Utah University Art Department staff to select the artists. Selected artists will be given a rent-free, furnished park house inside the park.

While 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.

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.

Upon conclusion of the Residency, participating artists are given up to six months to finish work inspired by their Residency. An original piece of artwork representative of the Residency will then be donated to Zion National Park. The work may be placed in the Park’s permanent collection, interpretive collection, or, in partnership with the Zion Natural History Association, may be used in other ways in support of the park’s Artist in Residence and education programming.

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.

Resident artists are in the park four months out of the year. You may visit them at the Grotto House during open studio hours or you may see them out drawing, sketching, painting, and playing as they find inspiration in the extraordinary natural beauty of Zion National Park.

For more information about the Artist in Residence visit the Zion National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/zion/supportyourpark/artist-in-residence.htm.