Peninsula School of Art and Peninsula State Park Launch Collaborative Artist Residency
Two leading artists selected for Pen Park AIR, a program exploring the intersection of Art and the Environment.
DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN — Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) and Friends of Peninsula State Park (FPSP) are partnering to create Pen Park AIR, an artist-in-residence program which brings together two of the county’s most distinct resources — art and nature. The selected artists, Maysey Craddock and Tomiko Jones, are known for their creative approaches in addressing the mysteries of nature, rebirth, and entropy, as well as the social, cultural, and geopolitical transitions associated with climate change. The artists will produce work at PenArt and at Pen Park, including community activities in the Park. The residency will culminate in an exhibition at PenArt.
Adam Erickson, Executive Director of PenArt, says, “Maysey and Tomiko are remarkable artists whose work strengthens the bonds between creativity and nature, while helping us see the surrounding environment in deeper ways.” Drawing upon the assets of both the Art School and the Park, artists-in-residence are provided with ample studio space, equipment, and other resources, as well as the Park’s diverse landscape, unique ecosystems, and knowledgeable staff.
Maysey Craddock. Cloud Azalea, 2023. Gouache, flash, and thread on paper bags, 48 x 62 in.
Chris Holicek, President of FPSP, adds, “We are thrilled to participate in creating an environment for the arts to expand in the Park. This partnership is a fruitful step in connecting the arts and environmental stewards of Door County, and we cannot wait to see what Maysey and Tomiko illuminate in their time here.” The artists are invited to explore the Park through the lens of their individual research, discovering new connections in their practices, creating site-responsive works, and gaining a deeper understanding of this place and its environmental circumstances.
Eric Hyde, Superintendent of Peninsula State Park, shares, “Peninsula State Park was home to one of the first artist in residency programs in Door County thanks to the first Superintendent, A.E Doolittle. Starting in the late 1910’s into the 1960’s, Doolittle allowed artists to use vacant cabins in the park to raise awareness of the park and draw visitors. We’re thrilled to once again be showcasing artists that will be drawing inspiration from this amazing place we all know and love.”
The residencies are taking place in two sessions from June 25-July 6 (Maysey Craddock) and July 30-August 24 (Tomiko Jones). The exhibition of their work will open at PenArt on August 24.
About Maysey Craddock (Memphis, TN)
Session I: June 25 - July 6, 2024
Maysey Craddock’s work explores the altered patterns of nature that are both affected by humans and time alike. She uses color to effectively convey a sense of urgency in course correcting climate change, but also the hope that things can improve. Maysey creates work not only about the pain that happens in nature, but the joy, too.
About Tomiko Jones (Madison, WI)
Session II: July 30 - August 24, 2024
Tomiko Jones’ art builds from a firm understanding of her relationship to nature and her place within it. The overarching element throughout her work is a relationship to place and a loose mapping of landscape. Exploring the geography of changing landscapes, she searches for places where she can feel a sense of communication.
Tomiko Jones. Preparing for Death, 2017. Ziatype from scanned Type 55 film, 15 x 12 in.
For more information about the artists, visit:
https://www.peninsulaschoolofart.org/pen-park-residency
https://www.mayseycraddock.com/
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About Peninsula School of Art
Since 1965, Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) has been a leading innovator of creative experiences and arts education for participants of all ages and abilities in Door County, Wisconsin. Through dynamic workshops, classes, exhibitions, events, and artist residencies, PenArt celebrates and supports people at all stages of creative life while fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity. Founded by Chicago artist and filmmaker Madeline Tourtelot, the School is located on a 10-acre campus, and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Annually around 10,000 art students, collectors, and enthusiasts travel to PenArt from around the County, State of Wisconsin, Midwest region, and broader United States. For more information, please visit https://penart.org.
About Friends of Peninsula State Park
The Friends of Peninsula State Park (FPSP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Wisconsin’s most complete state park. FPSP’s vision is for Peninsula State Park to be a park for all people—a beautiful and vibrant place where visitors of all interests, backgrounds, and abilities can enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual benefits of the great outdoors. For more information please visit: https://peninsulastatepark.org/.
