North Dakota State Parks and ND Council on the Arts name artists for 2023 Residency Program

Bismarck, ND – With the goal to support North Dakota artists in creating art that showcases the beauty and inspiration within our state parks, the ND Parks & Recreation Department and ND Council on the Arts have selected three artists for the 2023 Artist in Residency Program.

The Artist in Residency Program is a partnership between the two agencies where artists are selected to spend 7 or 10 days in a North Dakota state park. The residency also provides opportunities for visitors to develop artistic skills and a deeper appreciation of the park-inspired artwork based on their experience in the parks.

“Earlier this year, we honored over 30 artists who have been a part of this program for more than a decade by displaying their art in the Observation Deck Gallery of the state capitol, and it truly energized us to continue this fantastic partnership with ND Council on the Arts,” said Cody Schulz, ND Parks & Recreation Director. “The creativity showcased by each artist and their thoughtfully designed workshops are always eagerly anticipated by our park visitors.”

This year Turtle River State Park will be hosting sewist Cynthia McGuire Thiel (Fargo) July 14-23, Lake Metigoshe State Park will host photographer Scott Seiler (Fargo) January 16-23, 2024, and Lewis & Clark State Park will host visual artist James Skinner (Williston) June 3-10, 2024.

Each artist will offer two presentations or workshops during the weekend of their residency; the public is invited and encouraged to attend these activities. These offerings will showcase artwork inspired by the state parks and will provide various opportunities for park visitors of all ages and skill levels to discover or further develop their artistic skills. Details surrounding these opportunities at Turtle River State Park, Lake Metigoshe State Park and Lewis & Clark State Park will be posted on their respective Facebook pages via event listings as soon as they become available.

“The partnership with Parks & Recreation recently culminated in the amazing exhibition held at the Capitol this past spring. It was remarkable to witness the diversity of more than 30 artists’ creations influenced by our state parks,” said Kim Konikow, ND Council on the Arts Executive Director. “We are pleased to continue this partnership and look forward to the results of three new North Dakota artists influenced by the natural beauty evident in our parks. Our hope is that many park visitors will participate in the planned programs.”

This project is supported in part by a grant from North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. These events within the ND state parks are free of charge; however, normal daily park vehicle entrance fees apply (or an annual state park pass is required).

The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.