Porcupine Mountains Artist Program in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula currently seeks applications for the 2014 spring, summer and fall and 2015 winter residencies. The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to Northern Michigan artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – also known as “the Porkies.”

The Porkies encompass 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 Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains 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 Porkies, 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 2014 spring, summer and fall and 2015 winter residencies must be received by March 31. Artists will be notified on or before April 25.

Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found on the Friends of the Porkies website at porkies.org/artist-in-residence.

Your Recreation Passport

A Recreation Passport is required for entry to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Get more Northern Michigan events and programs at the MyNorth Events Calendar!