Artist in the Woods Program/Deadline April 1, 2013

    The Stanislaus National Forest, in partnership with 3 Forests Interpretive Association, would like to announce the opening of the application process for the 2013 Artist in the Woods program.


    Professional artists can apply for a two week residence in a historic cabin on the Summit Ranger District during the fall of 2013.

   A variety of art mediums are acceptable.

   With the goal of creating a sense of stewardship for the beauty of the natural and cultural resources of the Stanislaus National Forest, the Artist in the Woods Program provides professional artists of all media an opportunity to receive creative inspiration from the Sierra Nevada landscape, while pursuing their artistic discipline.

   Artists who are selected will stay in a historic cabin on the Summit Ranger District for two weeks in September or October.

   A stipend will be provided to the artist from 3 Forests Interpretive Association for meals, a portion of travel, and a small portion of supplies.

    In return, participating artists are asked to donate an original piece of artwork (in the case of performing arts, this may be a performance) from and representative of their stay on the Stanislaus National Forest and conduct a workshop instructing the public in their discipline.

   Landscape Photographer, Joshua Cripps and Watercolorist and Engraver Dianne Stearns were selected Artist in the Woods maestros for 2012, each conducting workshops last fall and producing art works for public display through the Stanislaus National Forest and the 3 Forests Interpretive Association.

   "Thanks to the Artist in the Woods program, dozens, if not hundreds of people, myself included, have gained a richer understanding of the beauty, diversity, and natural resources that exist in this special part of California.

    I'd love to see the program expanded so that even more people can get in touch with the land, love it, and learn to care for it," said Cripps.

    Cripps donated a breathtaking photograph taken in the Summit Ranger District accentuated with dramatic lighting; and Stearns shared a beautiful watercolor painting of the much loved Eagle Meadow area of the Stanislaus National Forest.

   "I feel most alive and the most gratitude in the forest. It's important we all know this is our forest, it belongs to us," said Stearns.

    A digital copy of the donated works and detailed information about the program, along with an application and registration instructions are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus .

   If you have questions or want more information, contact Marie Malo, Interpretive Specialist at 209-965-3434 ext. 5343 or mgmalo@fs.fed.us .