Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, along with North Dakota Council on the Arts, announced the selection of three artists for the 2025 Artist in Residency Program. This program aims to support North Dakota artists in creating art inspired by the beauty of the state parks.
The Artist in Residency Program is a partnership between the two agencies where artists are selected to spend 7 or 10 days in a North Dakota state park. The residency also provides opportunities for visitors to develop artistic skills and a deeper appreciation of the park-inspired artwork based on their experience in the parks. This round of the residency program received 16 applications.
The following artists were selected to complete their residencies in these state parks:
- Muralist Ashley Nelson of Fargo – Cross Ranch State Park Aug. 4-13, 2025
- Leathercrafter Sabrina Hornung of Lehr– Turtle River State Park Aug. 10-17, 2025
- Painter Angela Mircsov of Valley City – Fort Ransom State Park June 2-8, 2026
“Through this partnership, we’re able to highlight the natural beauty of our parks while supporting North Dakota artists,” said Cody Schulz, ND Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s a unique opportunity that fosters creativity and provides visitors with a different perspective of the parks they love.”
During their residency, each artist will lead two presentations or themed workshops over the weekend, with the public invited and encouraged to attend. These sessions will feature artwork inspired by the state parks and offer opportunities for visitors of all ages and skill levels to explore or develop their own artistic talents.
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,” said Jess Christy, Council on the Arts Executive Director. “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 surrounding these opportunities at Turtle River State Park, Fort Ransom State Park and Cross Ranch State Park will be posted on their respective Facebook pages via event listings as soon as they become available.
Artworks generated from this program portray North Dakota’s beauty through the eyes and ears of contributing artists to enrich generations of park visitors. The ND Parks and Recreation Department has highlighted several artists’ work with video interviews which can be viewed at https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/art-parks.
This project is supported in part by a grant from North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. These events within the ND state parks are free of charge; however, normal daily park vehicle entrance fees apply (or an annual state park pass is required).
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.