Applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2009 spring, summer, fall and 2010 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 made up of 25 miles of shoreline, four inland lakes, entire river systems, many waterfalls, wooded peaks, and an escarpment which rises from the edge of Lake Superior and drops into the Carp River valley. The park also features a virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods, and the variety of flora and fauna. Because of these attributes, the park 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 are 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 back country permit so they may explore the park's 65,000 acres of natural beauty and 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails. 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.

Information about the program and an application for the 2009 spring, summer, fall and 2010 winter residencies can be obtained at www.porkies.org/artist.html. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2009, and mailed to Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program, P.O. Box 221, Ontonagon, MI 49953. 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. Successful artists will be notified on or before April 25, 2009.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, a wide variety of programs and camping opportunities throughout the year. For more information about the Porkies, its amenities, camping or lodging accommodations, and accessibility, contact the park at (906) 885-5275 (or TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/porkies. Camping reservations can be made by calling 800-44-PARKS (800-447-2757) or online at www.midnrreservations.com.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.