The Department of Natural Resources announced that the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence (AIRP) jury has selected 12 artists to participate in the newly-expanded Artist-in-Residence program at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

"We were overwhelmed with the quality and number of artists who applied, and were very happy to be able to extend our program to include opportunities for summer, fall, and winter residencies," said Sherrie McCabe, AIRP director. "The program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Porcupine Mountains and to express it through their art forms."

Selection was based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, a willingness to donate a finished piece of work inspired in the park, and the artist's ability to relate and interpret the wilderness through their work.

This year's selected artists include poet Rosalie Sanara Petrouske of Grand Ledge, Michigan; filmmaker Deanna Morse of Grand Rapids, Michigan; writer/painter Joe Heywood of Portage, Michigan; painter Katherine Larson of Brighton, Michigan; writer Lynne Diebel of Stoughton, Wisconsin; photographer Jann Kalscheur of Oregon, Wisconsin; painter Kelly Meredith of Butternut, Wisconsin; mixed media artist Lori Taylor of Pinckney, Michigan; painter Carl Mayer of Marquette, Michigan; photographer Ron Strong of Cedar, Michigan; musician Tim Twiss of Highland, Michigan; and writer Steve Pollick of Freemont, Ohio.

Each artist will be given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River to 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, each will share their experience with the public through demonstrations or talks. In addition, each artist is required to contribute an art piece representative of his or her stay to the "Friends of the Porkies" permanent collection.

The Artist-in Residence Program is sponsored by the "Friends of the Porkies," a 501(C)(3) non-profit volunteer organization that works to support and promote the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The AIRP is one of several projects undertaken by the Friends group. Membership fees and private donations fund this project.

A call for 2009 applicants, as well as specific dates of residency for this year, will be announced through the organization's web page at www.porkies.org. Questions regarding this program should be directed to Sherri McCabe at airp@porkies.org.

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located at 33303 Headquarters Rd. in Ontonagon. The park has both modern and rustic camping, excellent trails and vistas, fishing, rustic cabins, yurts, a modern lodge located on the shore of Lake Superior, a visitor center and year-round visitor center programs. For more information about the park, call 906-885-5275. Registrations can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44PARKS.