The Department of Natural Resources today announced applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains' Artist-in-Residence program for the 2010 spring, summer, fall and 2011 winter residencies. The Artist-in-Residence program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by this unique northern wilderness setting.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, also known as the Porkies, is a 65,000-acre park, recently named one of the top 10 state parks in the country for the third year in a row by America's Best and Top Ten( www.americasbestonline.com/state.htm .). The Porkies features 25 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, nearly 60 backpack campsites, four inland lakes, entire river systems, several waterfalls, wooded peaks, and an escarpment which rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets into the Carp River valley. The most impressive feature of the park is the virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods, as well as the variety of flora and fauna this forest supports. The Porkies is an ideal location to inspire artistic creativity.

The Artist-in-Residence program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Porkies, and to express it through their chosen 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 they can explore the park's 65,000 acres of natural beauty ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails with nearly 60 backpack campsites. During their residency, the artists will be asked to share their experience with the public through demonstrations or talks. At the conclusion of their experience, the artist is required to contribute an art piece representative of their stay.

Selections 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 artists' 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 2010 spring, summer, fall and 2011 winter residencies must be postmarked by March 31, 2010. Artists will be notified on or before April 24, 2010. Applications and information about the Porkies Artist-in-Residence program can be found at www.porkies.org, by selecting "Artist-in-Residence," or by contacting Sherrie McCabe at 906-884-2345 or AIRP@porkies.org .