"The Ozark in Autumn," a painting by 2014 Artist-in-Residence, Steve Whitfield
NPS Photo
Program Details
What is required of the artist during the residency:
Explore Hot Springs National Park's historical and natural aspects through your work.
Present at least two public programs in the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center.
Present or participate in a culminating program, to be determined by the artist's medium, at the conclusion of the residency.
Donate one piece of artwork to the park's collection (within six months of the end of residency.)
2025 Application Information
Stay tuned for 2025 application information.
Application Requirements:
Statement of Purpose - Please explain what you hope to accomplish during your residency, how you plan to use park themes in your work, and what you hope to contribute as a program and donation. Please also include your vision of sharing your art with the public in at least one public program. (No more than one page)
List of desired 3-4 week periods between March - December - please be specific.
List of exhibitions and/or teaching experiences.
Samples of artwork (no originals) - Please send print or digital copies of up to 6 images, videos, or recordings.
Contact information for 3 professional references
Please submit your application by email or hard copy:
Email: hosp_volunteers@nps.gov Hard copy:
ATTN: Artist-in-Residence Program
c/o Volunteer Coordinator
101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Photo by 2017 Artist-in-Residence, Matt Parker
NPS Photo
Further Information:
This is a non-paid, volunteer position. Residency periods are 3-4 weeks long and take place during the months of March through December. Please list date preferences for your residency as part of your application. A camp site with full RV hook-ups is provided free of charge; no other housing options are provided. If camping is not preferable, artists are responsible for providing their own housing for the duration of their time with Hot Springs National Park.
Willingness to share your inspiration with others is a central tenet of the Artist-in-Residence Program. Resident artists are asked to present at least two public programs during their residency. These presentations should be based on the artist’s work, experiences, and interests, and may include workshops, discussions, demonstrations, etc. All programs should be developed in consultation with park staff, and should be appropriate for general park audiences. Additionally, the selected artist is expected to participate in or present a culminating program, appropriate to their given medium. This can take the form of a public performance, a panel discussion, or a final presentation of art.
Painters, potters, sculptors, performing artists, etc., when appropriate, will be encouraged to work daily in view of park visitors.
The artist is requested to donate an original work which embodies Hot Springs National Park’s unique history and ideals for the future. Any donated artwork must be received within six months of the conclusion of the residency. All expenses for materials and for delivery of the artwork to the park is the responsibility of the artist.
Artists will permit park staff to photograph artwork created and programs given during the residency. The artist will sign a photo release to the National Park Service for use of images of the artwork from the residency, and images of activities associated with the residency. Donated artwork and/or associated images will not be used for commercial purposes but may be used for education or interpretation by the National Park Service or Eastern National, the park’s cooperating association.
Sculpture by 2010 Artist-in-Residence, Lori Arnold
NPS Photo
Art in the Parks:
Artists throughout history have evoked emotions, captured moments, and shown us the world through a myriad of mediums. They convey big ideas through a unique lens and allow us to not only soak in beauty but gain a new perspective.
Artists have been intimately tied to national parks since the 19th century, when painters such as Thomas Moran documented the unbelievable landscapes of the American West. These artists played a crucial role in stimulating the establishment, visitation, and appreciation of these national parks. Today, artists still find inspiration in national parks and continue to help us make meaningful connections to our nation's special places.
Previous Residencies
The park initiated the Artist-In-Residence program in 2004 and it has been quite successful. Here you can see the artwork donated to the park by the participating artists:
