Teen Artist Exploration How To Apply

The Application Deadline: 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 by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date.

1. Complete the online entrance form.
2. Email required submission materials (see below).

The Application Process

We consider all forms of art except those that manipulate or disturb the park's environment.

Submit a Letter of Recommendation

Ask a teacher, boss, or mentor to write about why you should be an Isle Royale Teen Artist.

• Preferred method: This letter of recommendation can be given to you electronically then uploaded with your other application materials or it can be given to you in hardcopy, scanned, and then uploaded with your other application materials (see below).
• You may have the selected person email the letter directly to the park: [e-mail]. The Subject Line must include: "Teen Artist Recommendation: Your Full Name."

Submit the Isle Royale Teen Artist Online Entrance Form

Requested information includes:

• Contact Information

• Medium Information

• Preferred Teen Artist Exploration Summer Session

• Acknowledgement of Program Requirements

Submit Your Essay

Write an essay (no more than 1 page) about Why do you want to be an Isle Royale Teen Artist?

• In Word or PDF format, include this essay with all of your application materials.

Submit Your Art

• Visual Artists: Provide no more than 6 images in your Word of PDF document. Clearly label each image with your name and the work's title.

  • Images should focus only on the actual artwork; extraneous backgrounds, mattes, or frames should not be included.

• Writers: Provide no more than 6 short works or 1 long work in your Word or PDF document. Clearly label each work with your name and its title.

  • Creative Nonfiction for this program does not include travelogues, journalistic features, interviews, or job-related documents such as memos or legal briefs.

  • Examples include:

    • 6 Short Poems or other short writing samples of artistic merit (1 page each)

    • 1 Short Story, Essay, or Manuscript Excerpt (10 pages max)

• Composers, Musicians, Performing Artists, Video, Film: Provide no more than 6 short selections (6 minutes max) or 1 long selection (10 minutes max)
  • Upload your submission to YouTube/Vimeo or share an existing YouTube/Vimeo link (or any other appropriate website link that can play the submission). Uploads may be public or private (YouTube allows private uploads that are only visible to those with whom you share the link). Clearly label each work with your name and its title. Include your link(s) in your Word or PDF document submission.

Generation Cautions

• Do not include additional links, websites, images, or additional artistic content beyond the exact submission requirements. You will be assessed solely based on your application materials.

Email Your Artwork, Essay, and Recommendation

In one email, send all of the following items in one Word or PDF document to: [e-mail].

• Letter or Recommendation
• Samples of your Artwork
• Why Do You Want to be an Isle Royale Teen Artist (one-page)

 

Received Applications

An email confirmation will be sent to you upon receipt of your required materials.

The Selection Process

All applicants will be notified no later than May 1 whether they were selected for the upcoming summer residency.

A jury composed of a park representative, professional artists, and teen artists will select the finalists. The selection is based on artistic integrity, creativity, your letter of recommendation, and your Why Do You Want To Be a Teen Artist Essay. Selections are made without regard to race, religion, gender, marital status, sex, age, or national origin. The facilities being used for this program are not wheelchair accessible.

Questions along the Way

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with you application, please feel free to contact the park.

Did you submit the Isle Royale Teen Artist Online Application yet?

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