CASPER, Wyo. — In an ongoing effort to intertwine art with nature, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is now accepting applications for its 2024 Artist-in-Residence, or AIR, program.
This initiative is welcoming a new group of artists to capture and share the canyon’s splendor, according to a press release by the National Park Service.
The AIR Program
Since its inception in 2014, the AIR program has seen a plethora of artists and photographers. Each has contributed to the cultural and historical tapestry of Bighorn Canyon.
Their work stands as a testament to the program’s success. It embodies the same spirit that once moved Thomas Moran to advocate for the creation of Yellowstone National Park.
The program stems from the National Park Service’s Call to Action and Bighorn Canyon’s Long Range Interpretive Plan. It aims not just to bolster public awareness but to forge a bond between the artist and the landscape.
The park seeks four artists for the upcoming season, with applications open from Nov. 15, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024.
Artists interested in participating should prepare to immerse themselves in Bighorn Canyon’s majesty. Writers, sculptors, musicians and others are encouraged to apply by submitting a résumé, a letter of intent and samples of their work to Christy Fleming, the park’s Interpretation and Education Division Lead, via email.
Residency Details
The selection process will take place in February, with announcements to follow in March. The program is flexible, offering two-week residencies at various times of the year, tailored to housing availability and the artists’ schedules.
Housing is provided in remote settings, with amenities available in nearby communities. It’s important to note that no living stipend is provided.
Opportunities for AIR Participants
Selected artists will contribute to the program through public presentations, engaging with visitors and interpreting Bighorn Canyon’s essence. Their work will reflect the park’s six thematic pillars, ranging from its geological significance to its rich cultural history with Native American tribes.
Moreover, artists can extend their impact beyond their residency. The Bighorn Canyon visitor center boasts an Artist-In-Residence Gallery. There is also an opportunity to display works at the Wyoming State Museum.
A donation of one piece of original work is encouraged, and artists may sell their pieces via consignment at the visitor center.
For more information on the program or to apply, interested artists can contact Christy Fleming at (307) 548-5406 or through email.
