Apply for the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Allegheny National Forest
- by Guest Contributor
- March 11, 2024
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Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest
The USDA Forest Service is once again accepting applications for the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Allegheny National Forest. Applications for the 2024 summer and fall residencies will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
The Artist-in-Residence Program provides artists of all mediums the opportunity to pursue their craft outside of their normal environments.
The three-week program immerses chosen applicants into the natural setting of Allegheny National Forest to inspire their works. Artists will receive three weeks of free housing and a stipend, as well as easy access to the forest, field trips with Forest Service staff, and networking opportunities with local arts organizations. Artists of all experience levels and mediums are encouraged to apply.
Image: ANF’s First Artist-in-Residence, Warren Bensken, shows his centennial-themed print at the demonstration program held at Laughing Owl Press in Kane, PA. Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service.
“Art is about storytelling. It allows for the creation of multiple narratives of our lives, both individually and as a whole. We are intrinsically connected to the future and what we do now and how we speak about our public lands sets the stage for the next 100 years. The Forest hopes to broaden and diversify the conversation of why public lands are vital and to share with communities the importance of conserving natural spaces,” said Artist-in-Residence Program Coordinator Kate Fenstermacher.
What is an Artist in Residence?
The goal of the Artist in Residence program is to provide learning opportunities for the public. The artist will help local communities explore the connections between public lands, nature, our use of natural resources, and our emotional ties to natural beauty through self-expression.
Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply (painting, writing, sculpture, dance, music, photography, etc.)! The artist will be free to work on their art throughout the residency period. However, the point of the program is to connect at least one piece of artwork to the beauty of the Allegheny National Forest.
Housing is provided during the residency, and a reimbursement is available to defray costs for the artist. The selected artist will sign a volunteer agreement with the US Forest Service. The selected artist is required to donate one piece of work from, and representative of, their residency. Artwork may be accessioned into the forest’s permanent collection, used in exhibits, used for educational purposes, and/or auctioned by partner entities. The artist must allow unrestricted use of that piece of work. The selected artist must also provide a public program or presentation (e.g., demonstration, workshop, reading, open studio).
Please visit the ANF AiR Program webpage for information on how to apply. For questions, please reach out to Kate Fenstermacher at katherine.fenstermacher@usda.gov or 814-363-6049.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
