04/23/2025
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon (TFSE) is launching a new Artist in Residence (AIR) program this summer to connect the science of floodplain restoration with artistic expression.
The program invites artists to engage with the unique landscape and ecological work at the Emiquon Preserve—one of the Midwest’s largest floodplain restoration projects and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Selected artists will have access to the preserve, TFSE facilities and outdoor spaces to pursue a creative project inspired by the site.
Residencies are available for up to four weeks and include a private room in dormitory-style housing on-site. Funding is available to offset housing, travel and material costs for projects completed by Aug. 30, 2025, with support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and local funds from the Two Rivers Arts Council.
Get more information at www.uis.edu/emiquon/visit-emiquon/artist-residence
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Canton Art on Main
We are excited too announce that we are offering a new Artist in Residence (AIR) program beginning this summer.
The AIR program aims to forge a connection between the science of the floodplain restoration and artistic perspective of the Emiquon Preserve. The goal is to build a community of artists and to provide space for them to create unique interpretive works of art. The artist will have access to the Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve, one of the Midwest’s largest floodplain restoration projects and a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance, opportunities to learn about the Preserve, and the ability to pursue their own creative project within TFSE’s facilities and outdoors. In addition, the artist will be able to promote their work on TFSE’s website, social media platforms, and through regional media outlets. TFSE requires the artist to learn about the history and science of the floodplain restoration, engage with the outdoor natural environment of the site, and create work inspired by the Emiquon Preserve. In addition, the artist will be required to lead one informal public event to share their approach and work, share a significant outcome from their time as a resident artist, and give permission to TFSE to utilize their work and/or donate a piece for public display.
Residences are for up to four weeks. A private room, in dormitory-style housing, is available on-site for the artist. Funding is available to offset housing, travel and material costs for projects completed by Aug. 30, 2025, with support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and local funds from the Two Rivers Arts Council.
Artists working in any medium—including but not limited to painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, music, dance, handcrafts and creative writing—are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by May 16, 2025, for projects beginning on or after June 2, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit uis.edu/emiquon/visit-emiquon/artist-residence.
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