National Park Service
The Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration is for all aspiring teen artists who want to develop their art through experiencing wilderness. It is open to all visual and performing artists, writers, and composers ages 13 to 18 at time of participation.
Teen Artist Exploration Program
Over the course of six days in July, selected teen artists camp on Isle Royale and explore the island in coordination with an artistic mentor-hike and backpack along wave-washed shores, canoe quiet bays of Lake Superior, or take boat tours. The artistic mentor provides coaching, lessons, and assistance during the artistic and wilderness exploration. Let the remote island wilderness inspire your creativity.
How Do I Get to the Park?
Complimentary transportation to the park is provided on the National Park Service vessel Ranger III, a 165-foot ship operating out of Houghton, Michigan. Artists are expected to arrive in Houghton the day before the ferry departs in order to acquire supplies, load materials and supplies aboard the Ranger III, and check over any last minute details with the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator.
Where do I Stay?
The Isle Royale Teen Artist Exploration Program is a camping experience.
All participants must be comfortable camping for 5 nights. The park and the program mentor will assist the camping experience.
Basic camping supplies will be provided (tents, sleeping bags, cookstove, etc), but participants may also bring their own equipment as they are comfortable. Shower facilities are available in Rock Harbor through the Rock Harbor Trading Post for a fee.
If selected, the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator will communicate all of these logistical considerations to you and your family.
Where do I Eat?
You are on your own for meals, though often the mentor may help arrange communal meals. Meals are primarily prepared on a camp stove, so plan to bring camping food that is easy to prepare. A small selection of food and supplies can be purchased from the Rock Harbor Lodge Trading post. Another food option is the Rock Harbor Lodge, which operates two restaurants in the area.
If selected, the Artist-in-Residence Coordinator will communicate all of these logistical considerations to you and your family.
What do I Bring?
Teen artists and their families must bring: Daily Supplies (food, clothing, hiking gear, etc) Artistic Materials (in coordination with the mentor) An Attitude of Adventure More detailed information will be provided by the Artistin- Residence Coordinator.
How Many May Come With Me?
If under 18, selected teen artists must bring at least one parent or guardian. A maximum of 4 individuals total is allowed (1 tent). For example, a selected teen artist could bring their mother, father, and brother, plus themselves (4 total). Everyone must be comfortable staying in one tent.
Program Requirements
• Selected artists must be ages 13 – 18 at time of program participation.
• Selected artists will be park volunteers.
• Selected artists must donate a piece of artwork representative of their stay on Isle Royale to the park within one year of their experience. The donated piece will offer the public an opportunity to experience our national heritage through the artist’s unique interpretation of Isle Royale.
• If seventeen or younger, selected artists must have a legal parent or guardian accompany them.
• Artists considering applying must be available for the proposed Teen Artist Exploration session. One of these time periods will be the program dates.
Program Dates July 26 – July 31, 2024 (Friday – Wednesday)
Artists must be available
during this time period.
Application Open Period: January 2 – February 16
Each year, the application period is open January 2 through February 16. To be considered, all application materials must be received through the two step process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date: 1. Complete the online application.
2. Email required submission materials.
Visit the NPS website at https://www.nps.gov/isro/getinvolved/ teen-artist.htm and read through the section on how to apply to ensure all necessary application components have been received.
Program Selections
All applicants will be notified no later than May 1 whether selected for the upcoming summer program.
Program Sponsors
Isle Royale National Park Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association, Copper Country Community Arts Council
