Todd Smith, 2011 Artist in Residence, working on Bernheim Nest.
The Artist in Residence Program at Bernheim has been in existence since 1980. As of 2012, 32 artists have participated. From photographers and sculptors to performance and installation artists, this program has been beneficial in the advancement of each artist’s career. The most interesting and appropriate artists chosen to participate from the dozens of applicants worldwide, adds an important fellowship award to their resumes.
The Artist in Residence Program is available to all visual artists in any medium. Applicants may be emerging or established artists on a regional, national or international level. Bernheim provides living quarters and studio space for the recipient in exchange for an exhibition, site-specific sculpture or project and the donation of at least one work of art to the Bernheim Art Collection. The residency must include some form of public engagement.
Artists are encouraged to use this 2-4 month residency to further investigate, experiment, and explore avenues in their work. Bernheim is most interested in work that furthers our understanding of the relationship between contemporary art and the natural world.
Applications are accepted November 1st through January 31st each year. A panel of professional jurors select the recipient based on the quality of the work and proposed project submitted. The goal in all of Bernheim’s activities is to help realize its mission of connecting the people with nature. Bernheim Artist in Residence is awarded on an annual basis to a talented artist who will work within the forest and/or arboretum to create works that are inspired by and potentially installed in the natural world. The Residence provides the artist an opportunity to advance their career while enhancing awareness of Bernheim’s goals and mission regionally, nationally and internationally.