By bernheim
Program celebrates the connection between art and nature
The application period is now open for Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s 2021 Artist in Residence program for regional, national and international artists.
Bernheim will award up to four artists the opportunity to create site-specific work inspired by their total immersion experience in the natural environment. At least one residency is reserved for a regional artist currently living in Kentucky or Clark and Floyd counties of Southern Indiana. The selected artists will live at Bernheim for six to eight weeks, where they are encouraged to explore new avenues in the creation of nature-inspired art.
In 2020, in recognition of the 40th anniversary, three artists were invited to visually illustrate aspects specific to the natural world at Bernheim through their creative practice. Although the COVID-19 restrictions initially delayed their arrival, each artist was able to come later in the year and complete their residencies.
Lee Running, a sculptor, installation artist and Full Professor of Sculpture at Grinnell College Department of Art and Art History in Grinnell, Iowa, designed a site-specific, transparent, colorful window installation that uses a sycamore tree as inspiration. Gabriella Boros, a printmaker, and photographer from Skokie, Illinois, created a series of woodblock prints that celebrates 10 Kentucky women whose spirits are invoked by 10 native Kentucky plants. Lucy Azubuike, a multimedia artist living in Frankfort, KY recognizes beautiful shapes and forms in the natural world as whole and complete works of art and has been documenting her tree art findings at Bernheim with the designated #onemilliontreearts.
The Artist in Residence program is the centerpiece of Bernheim’s Arts in Nature program, and is integral to Bernheim’s mission, said Bernheim Executive Director Mark Wourms, Ph.D.
“Through this program, we strive to fulfill the vision of founder Isaac Wolfe Bernheim to unite in people their love of nature, beauty and the arts,” Dr. Wourms said. “The beautiful art created through this program allows our visitors to experience nature in a new way while enhancing awareness of Bernheim’s mission of connecting people with nature.”
In exchange for comfortable rustic housing, a $2,500 honorarium, access to studio space, and staff support for the development of new work, artists will create a site-inspired artwork, temporary installation, or project as a donation to the Bernheim Foundation. Recipients are asked to engage the public with their work and process, which may include (but are not limited to) demonstrations, workshops, lectures, and participation in one of Bernheim’s programs or annual events.
To apply or learn more about the Artist in Residence program, visit bernheim.org/air. Bernheim will accept artists’ entries through Jan. 18. Visual and mixed media artists of all mediums, with the broadest range of diverse perspectives and experiences, are encouraged to submit work for consideration.