Anyone who has ever visited the Porcupine Mountains has likely been a little inspired. Some of us feel a desire to travel more. Others wish to slow life down. One or two may even reflect upon their place in the world. Then there are those with an artistic passion, for whom a visit sparks immense productivity. Are your creative juices are flowing at the mere thought? Then you may be a good candidate for the 2023 Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program. 

Who Can Apply

This unique residency program is open to artists whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It offers writers, composers, and all visual and performing artists, an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area and to express it through their art form.

About the Porkies

The park is located in the western Upper Peninsula. The area is affectionately known to many as the Porkies. There are 25 miles of stunning shoreline. It’s also home to four inland lakes, multiple rivers, roaring waterfalls, and countless woodsy trails. Consequently, nearly everywhere one turns, virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods awaits. It is perhaps best known for a slope that rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior. Then plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley. In fact, Lake in the Clouds is among our 10 places everyone should visit. 

Artistic Criteria

Artists are selected each year for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. Selected artists will gain use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River. More adventurous souls may also request a three-night backcountry permit. That allows them to get off the beaten path and play among the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty.

The program is open to all art forms unless inconsistent with the mission of the park. Selection is based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in the wilderness, and the artist’s ability to relate to and interpret the park through their art medium.

Selected candidates will donate an original, finished piece of art. It must be inspired by their stay in the Porkies. Participating artists will share their experiences with the public through a demonstration or talk during their residencies.

Apply for the 2024-25 Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program

Interested parties can find application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program at the Friends of the Porkies webpage. Applications are due by Feb. 14, 2024. Selected artists will be notified by phone in mid-April. 

Author: BMN Staff