March 6, 2017 Contact: Bob Wild 906-885-5206 or John Pepin 906-226-1352 Artists sought for residence program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park March 31 application deadline set; artists notified by April 21



Applications are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2017 spring, summer and fall and 2018 winter residencies. The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.



Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s largest state park encompasses 25 miles of wave-washed shores, four inland lakes, entire river systems, countless waterfalls, enchanting wooded peaks, and an escarpment, which rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley. Still, the park's most impressive feature – and the reason for its creation – is the virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods and the variety of flora and fauna that it supports. Because of these attributes, the park is an ideal location to inspire creativity.



The Artist-in-Residence Program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park and to express it through their art form. Each year a number of artists will be selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks.



Artists will be given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit so that they may live in and explore the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails.



During their residency, artists will be asked to share their experiences with the public through demonstrations or talks. The artists are required to contribute an art piece representative of their stay.



Selection will be based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, a willingness to donate a finished piece of art inspired by their stay in the Porcupine Mountains, and the artist’s ability to relate and interpret the park through their art medium. The program is open to all art forms except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the park.



Applications for the 2017 spring, summer and fall and 2018 winter residencies must be received by March 31, 2017. Artists will be notified on or before April 21, 2017.



Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found at the Friends of the Porkies Web page at www.porkies.org/artist-in-residence. For more information on Michigan state parks visit: www.michigan.gov/parks. /Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. River: The Presque Isle River flows through a wintry landscape toward its mouth at Lake Superior at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Lake: An autumn photo shows the spectacular beauty of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in autumn./ Lake.jpg

River.jpg The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.