Artist-in-Residence
The Mission
“To offer residencies to new and established artists of recognized excellence from around the world to pursue their creative process in a wilderness environment.”
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers for the AIRP committee, including a couple of volunteers to lead the committee. If you have an interest in art - we'd love to talk with you to discuss these volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please email [email protected] with a brief description of your background and why you'd like to be considered.
Youth Sticker Contest Winners!
We want to thank all the youth that submitted designs for this year's sticker contest - Keep on creating!
Congratulations to this year's winners!
Age Group Winners:
Age 6 - Asher B. of Trout Creek, MI
Age 10 - Lola V. of Ontonagon, MI
Age 12 - Amelia B. of Trout Creek, MI
Age 16 - Rylie P. of Ontonagon, MI
Overall Design Winner:
Age 14 - Jordyn P. of Ontonagon, MI
Artist Programs
The Artist-in-Residence program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by this unique northern wilderness setting. It offers writers, composers, and all visual and performing artists and artisans the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Porkies and express it through their particular art form. As part of the Artist Residency, the artists will provide a public presentation demonstrating some aspect of their art.
What a fantastic year for our Artists-in-Residence program!
This year was especially exciting as we celebrated the successful launch of our new Ambassador Program, featuring two fabulous ambassadors, alongside six talented resident artists. Together, they shared their creativity, knowledge, and passion through eight wonderful public presentations that brought our community together and showcased the many ways art inspires and connects us.
A heartfelt thank-you to our artists, ambassadors, presenters, and everyone who joined us throughout the year. Your enthusiasm and support made this such a memorable and successful season!
Interested in becoming part of the program? Applications for the 2027 season will open in December 2026 and are due by February 14, 2027. Stay tuned for more details!
Congratulations to our 2026 artists!
Jake Ring — Ironwood, MI — Photographer
Artist Ambassador | Presentation: May 21st
Caroline Meehean — Merrill, WI — watercolor
Artist Ambassador | Presentation: June 11th
Caroline Baker Mazure — Royal Oak, MI — Acrylic Painter
Residency: July 12–24 | Presentation: July 23
Mark Cavanaugh — Saint Paul, MN — Photographer
Residency: July 30–August 13 | Presentation: August 6
Roxanne Everett — Seattle, WA — Landscape Acrylic Painter
Residency: August 16–September 7 | Presentation: August 27
Katherine Sirvio — Naubinway, MI — Woodworking
Residency: September 8–17 | Presentation: September 10
Anita McKeith — Freeland, MI — Macro Photographer
Residency: September 18–October 2 | Presentation: September 24
Bill Wilson — Petoskey, MI — Musician
Residency: October 4–18 | Presentation: October 8
All artist presentations are free and open to the public. They are suitable for all age groups. Presentations will take place Thursday afternoons, from 4-6pm Eastern Time, at the Folk School Building.
You will be able to view previous artist's work at the Visitors Center when it opens in the Spring.
AIRP OPEN HOUSE
Our Self-guided tour for Dan’s cabin, Visitors Center and the ski chalet to show case the art donated by the artists was a success and we plan to have another one next year.
DAN’S CABIN RENOVATIONS 2025
- Via a DNR Matching Partnership Grant volunteers replaced the two large windows in the cabin. The DNR provided $5,000 in funds for the windows and with matching funds from the Friends which included volunteer labor time,
- Replaced gas stove and oven with counter cooktop stove
- DNR installed a new vault toilet under the existing outhouse structure.
A rustic, timber frame cabin provides accommodations for the artist in residence. "Dan's Cabin" was built as a tribute to Dan Urbanski, founding president of the Friends of the Porkies and award-winning photographer.
