Artist in Residence Program and Application Details
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Shelter Cove Arts and Recreation Foundation (SCARF), and the Friends of the Lost Coast (FOLC) are pleased to announce the Spring 2025 session of the King Range National Conservation Area (KRNCA) Artist in Residence (AIR) Program. The residency will offer an inspirational and unique 4-weeks (4/21/25 to 5/19/25) on California’s remote Lost Coast.
The BLM Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program is founded on the belief that artists look closely at the way the world works, notice things that others may have missed, challenge ideas, experiment, and create new opportunities to look at the world.
Projected Outcomes
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Shelter Cove Arts and Recreation Foundation (SCARF), and the Friends of the Lost Coast (FOLC) are pleased to announce the Spring 2025 session of the King Range National Conservation Area (KRNCA) Artist in Residence (AIR) Program. The residency will offer an inspirational and unique 4-weeks (4/21/25 to 5/19/25) on California’s remote Lost Coast.
The BLM Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program is founded on the belief that artists look closely at the way the world works, notice things that others may have missed, challenge ideas, experiment, and create new opportunities to look at the world.
Projected Outcomes
- The resident will explore and observe the King Range NCA and its cultural and natural resources including landscapes, local ecosystems, historic structures, community, plants, and wildlife.
- The resident will translate their study into images, objects, and/or performances that create awareness, build community, and promote appreciation and deeper understanding of our nation’s public lands.
- In this secluded, rugged, coastal wilderness, the resident will use the uninterrupted time and space to practice and focus on personal artistic goals.
- Learn and dialogue about the value of public lands by collaborating with local organizations that connect the community to the King Range NCA through stewardship, restoration and interpretation.
Below are works created by previous residents
First row left to right: Zach Polic 2022 - Aaron Burks 2022 - Matthew Conrardy 2023 - Sue Mendehlson 2019
Second row left to right: Robert Poplack 2020 - Sienna Hawk 2023 - Madeleine Kelly 2024 - Ben Funke 2019
Location
The King Range National Conservation Area is a spectacular meeting of land and sea, as mountains thrust straight out of the surf showcasing King Peak at an elevation of 4,088 ft. and a short 3 miles from the ocean.
The King Range NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 35 miles of California’s coastline. This rugged and remote region is known as California’s “Lost Coast”. It was the first National Conservation Area in the USA, designated in 1970. The forested mountains attract backpackers, day hikers and hunters, while the beach beckons to surfers, beachcombers, and anglers. A world-class mountain bike trail and 42,585 acres of coastal wilderness are two highlights of this incredibly unique area.
The King Range residency is in a remote location; the nearest town is 40 minutes to the east and the closest city is 1.5 hours north. The community of Shelter Cove sits at the southern end of the King Range NCA and is home to approximately 800 full-time residents.
AIR Provides the Artist
Expectations & Outputs of Artist
Copyright and Publication
Resident grants a nonexclusive right to BLM to use the images created during residency. Digital reproductions of the donated artwork will be produced and used in promotional print materials or electronic publication formats. The Artist shall retain all copyrights to the image(s).
Transportation
The resident must have a vehicle due to the remote nature of the location. It’s recommended that vehicle should have high clearance or 4-wheel drive to travel on backcountry roads, but not required. Please evaluate your comfort level and ability to operate under remote conditions and on backcountry roads or trails. The BLM will provide maps and safety information for travel in the KRNCA.
Personal Expenses
The artist is responsible for all personal expenses including art supplies, travel, meals, cell phone, etc. There is a small general store in Shelter Cove with gas and groceries, and a few restaurants that are sometimes closed in off-season. Its best to bring in as many supplies as possible.
Art Supplies & Materials
It is advised that the artist brings in all required art supplies. There is a small shop in Garberville and one in Eureka that carry art supplies, however its best to use those shops as a back-up. Workshop materials are provided by the AIR program and a list of required supplies must be presented with ample time for online ordering. For the gallery showing, any materials or equipment needed must be provided by the artist.
Volunteer Agreement
The selected artist will agree to be an official BLM Volunteer during the residency and will follow stipulations on the BLM Volunteer Agreement (USDI Form OF301-a) during the residency period.
Other Participant Responsibilities
As a representative of the BLM, SCARF and FOLC, the artist is expected to promote appropriate professional behavior and practices.
Applicants with Disabilities
Every effort will be made to accommodate disabled participants in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, applicants should be aware of the rural and rugged town, secluded public lands, and limited facilities in the area.
The King Range National Conservation Area is a spectacular meeting of land and sea, as mountains thrust straight out of the surf showcasing King Peak at an elevation of 4,088 ft. and a short 3 miles from the ocean.
The King Range NCA encompasses 68,000 acres along 35 miles of California’s coastline. This rugged and remote region is known as California’s “Lost Coast”. It was the first National Conservation Area in the USA, designated in 1970. The forested mountains attract backpackers, day hikers and hunters, while the beach beckons to surfers, beachcombers, and anglers. A world-class mountain bike trail and 42,585 acres of coastal wilderness are two highlights of this incredibly unique area.
The King Range residency is in a remote location; the nearest town is 40 minutes to the east and the closest city is 1.5 hours north. The community of Shelter Cove sits at the southern end of the King Range NCA and is home to approximately 800 full-time residents.
AIR Provides the Artist
- Housing: Local area housing for one person. No pets, smoking, or additional people are allowed. A short visit from family for an agreed upon time during the session is allowed with prior approval.
- Compensation: This an unpaid volunteer position. $50/day allowance for expenses will be reimbursed upon completion of residency. Mileage reimbursement during residency is available at the volunteer rate of $.14 per mile, beginning after arrival.
- Recognition: residency and achievements will be announced in press releases, promotional materials, social media, and on BLM and partner websites.
- Art Gallery Show: artist will display and sell their created artwork at the SCARF Art Gallery which is located at the Inn of the Lost Coast.
Expectations & Outputs of Artist
- Artist must spend at least 75% of residency time creating art related to the King Range NCA. Residency outputs will be decided based on the proposal package & concept presented by the artist during the application & interview process. Any substantial variation from this work plan must be approved.
- Donate one finished piece of artwork to the SCARF Art Gallery (framed, matted, etc.).
- Artist will provide the BLM with digital copies of all work created during the residency.
- If the Artist is offered and accepts housing by a local community member (rather than BLM barracks), the Artist will present a finished piece of artwork to property owner in return for their generosity.
- Lead at least two community workshops, presentations, classes, etc. (adults and youth).
- Artist will present finished pieces at a one-person art gallery show at the SCARF Art Gallery on the last weekend of the residency. The art gallery will retain a 30% commission fee on any pieces sold. Art pieces shown should reflect the artist’s experiences on public lands in the King Range NCA. The artwork must be in finished state, such as framed, matted, and/or mounted (dependent on the type of artwork). These materials must be provided by the artist unless otherwise planned with partners. A narrative of the art to be presented at the show must be provided at least one week in advance to publicize the event.
Copyright and Publication
Resident grants a nonexclusive right to BLM to use the images created during residency. Digital reproductions of the donated artwork will be produced and used in promotional print materials or electronic publication formats. The Artist shall retain all copyrights to the image(s).
Transportation
The resident must have a vehicle due to the remote nature of the location. It’s recommended that vehicle should have high clearance or 4-wheel drive to travel on backcountry roads, but not required. Please evaluate your comfort level and ability to operate under remote conditions and on backcountry roads or trails. The BLM will provide maps and safety information for travel in the KRNCA.
Personal Expenses
The artist is responsible for all personal expenses including art supplies, travel, meals, cell phone, etc. There is a small general store in Shelter Cove with gas and groceries, and a few restaurants that are sometimes closed in off-season. Its best to bring in as many supplies as possible.
Art Supplies & Materials
It is advised that the artist brings in all required art supplies. There is a small shop in Garberville and one in Eureka that carry art supplies, however its best to use those shops as a back-up. Workshop materials are provided by the AIR program and a list of required supplies must be presented with ample time for online ordering. For the gallery showing, any materials or equipment needed must be provided by the artist.
Volunteer Agreement
The selected artist will agree to be an official BLM Volunteer during the residency and will follow stipulations on the BLM Volunteer Agreement (USDI Form OF301-a) during the residency period.
Other Participant Responsibilities
As a representative of the BLM, SCARF and FOLC, the artist is expected to promote appropriate professional behavior and practices.
Applicants with Disabilities
Every effort will be made to accommodate disabled participants in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, applicants should be aware of the rural and rugged town, secluded public lands, and limited facilities in the area.
Selection Process and Timeline
Eligibility
The residency is open to artists over 18 years of age who are residing in the U.S. and who apply before the deadline.
Residency Application/Proposal
As stated above, the residency provides opportunities for learning and dialogue about the value of public lands and connection to the local community. We believe that creativity and art give us an opportunity for such dialogue among the diverse perspectives held by residents. Besides the minimum requirements, there are no set parameters for this community project, and we are open to bold, creative ideas for engaging the community beyond a lecture or painting workshop (please describe your ideas in your application).
Required Application Submissions for the program
- Application/Cover Page can be downloaded here.
- Samples of Artwork: six visual images (via downloadable email attachment, hardcopy or thumb drive). Digital images must be in .jpeg file format, 300 dpi, not to exceed 2 MB each in file size.
- Image List: Provide one-page with title, medium, date, and other relevant information.
- Resume: Provide professional resume including any exhibitions, residencies, fellowships, or other honors.
- Residency Proposal: No more than one-page in length.
b. Describe your personal and professional goals and how a potential for growth could be met with this residency.
c. Present your ideas for at least one public presentation/workshop for adults, and at least one workshop/activity for youth (2 total during your residency required).
d. Include any additional ideas to create art and/or provide art opportunities in the community.
Spring 2025 Timeline
Application Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2025 by mail or email. Application materials will not be returned.
Telephone Interviews: 3/17 to 3/21/25 (for top scoring candidates).
Final Notification: 3/24/25
Residency: April 21st, 2025 to May 19th 2025
For Information Contact
Sandy Miles
Outdoor Recreation Planner
King Range National Conservation Area
Bureau of Land Management
P.O. Drawer 189 (mailing address)
768 Shelter Cove Road
King Range NCA Visitor Center
Whitethorn, CA 95589
(707) 986-5415
[email protected]