Rocky Mountain National Park Looking for Some Good Artists

Those who win slots in Rocky Mountain National Park's artists-in-the-parks competition get to spend two weeks next summer in William Allen White's cabin. NPS photo.

Ahh, a cabin in the mountains. Isn't that what many of us want? Well, if you're particularly artistic, you could win a shot at spending two weeks in such a place in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park next summer.

Park officials currently are accepting applications for their summer 2010 Artist-in-Residence Program. Selected artists are provided with a "creative, contemplative environment in which to generate artistic works and share their works with the public." So says a park release, which goes on to add that "artistic diversity, new ideas and creative uses of media are encouraged. Selected artists receive a two-week residency at the William Allen White cabin from June through September. Professional musicians, writers, sculptors, painters, photographers, poets and performance artists will be given equal consideration."

Mr. White, by the way, was a "summer resident of Moraine park from 1912 through 1943, (and) is widely remembered as the charming editor of the Emporia (Kansas) Gazette and as a figure of influence in the Republican Party," according to park historians. "Less well known is his vigilant devotion to a free press and free speech, climaxed by his 1922 Pulitzer prize-winning editorial, 'To an Anxious Friend.'"

During their stay, artists share their vision in two public presentations. Following their residency, artists donate a fully finished work to Rocky Mountain National Park, representative of their stay. The National Park Service holds a noncommercial copyright to donated artwork.

A panel of professional artists will judge the applicant pool. Five to six artists will be selected to participate in the summer of 2010. Selections are made on the basis of the following criteria: entry materials, vision, and recognized talent as demonstrated by participation in juried shows, publications or performances. Having begun in 1984, Rocky Mountain’s program is the longest running Artist-in-Residence program operated by the National Park Service.

Interested artists may obtain more information and download an application by accessing the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/romo/supportyourpark/artist_in_residence.htm by calling (970) 586-1206, or by e-mail. If requesting by e-mail, applicants should provide a complete postal mailing address. Detailed instructions are on the entry form. Applications must be postmarked by December 1, 2009.