Central ND News

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with the North Dakota Council on the Arts, has announced the selection of three artists for the 2025 Artist in Residency Program. This initiative supports local artists by allowing them to create art inspired by the state's parks.

The program is a joint effort where selected artists spend seven or ten days in a state park. It aims to provide visitors with opportunities to enhance their artistic skills and gain a deeper appreciation for park-inspired artwork. Sixteen applications were received for this round.

The chosen artists are muralist Ashley Nelson from Fargo, who will be at Cross Ranch State Park from August 4-13, 2025; leathercrafter Sabrina Hornung from Lehr, who will be at Turtle River State Park from August 10-17, 2025; and painter Angela Mircsov from Valley City, scheduled for Fort Ransom State Park from June 2-8, 2026.

Cody Schulz, ND Parks and Recreation Director, stated: “Through this partnership, we’re able to highlight the natural beauty of our parks while supporting North Dakota artists. It’s a unique opportunity that fosters creativity and provides visitors with a different perspective of the parks they love.”

During their residencies, each artist will conduct two presentations or themed workshops over weekends. These sessions are open to the public and aim to inspire visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Jess Christy, Executive Director of the Council on the Arts said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with North Dakota Parks and Recreation to support and celebrate our state’s creative network in our parks. This collaboration offers artists a meaningful way to connect with nature while inviting both artists and communities to experience North Dakota’s landscapes through fresh and inspiring perspectives."

Details about these opportunities at Turtle River State Park, Fort Ransom State Park, and Cross Ranch State Park will be shared via event listings on their respective Facebook pages as they become available.

Artworks produced through this program depict North Dakota's beauty as seen by contributing artists. The ND Parks and Recreation Department has featured several works through video interviews available at https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/art-parks.

This project receives partial support through a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts funded by both state legislature allocations and the National Endowment for the Arts. While events within ND state parks are free of charge, standard daily park vehicle entrance fees apply unless an annual state park pass is held.

The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is "to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places."