Artist-in-Residence Program
Program Overview
The Gunflint Trail Historical Society’s Artist in Residence Program (AiRP), launched in 2022, invites artists and writers to live and work along the iconic Gunflint Trail—drawing inspiration from its natural beauty, history, and community. The program nurtures creative exploration while deepening artists’ connection to the region’s culture and environment.
The GTHS AiRP welcomes artists working across visual, literary, craft, media, and interdisciplinary practices inspired by place and the natural world. Selected artists demonstrate a strong ability to interpret the landscape through creative expression.
Residents share their work with the community through workshops, talks, and demonstrations—fostering exchange, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the Northwoods. The program reflects GTHS’s vision of Preservation, Presentation, and Participation, bringing the Trail’s story to life.
Excerpt from Arleta Little’s reading,
“My North & The Art of the Personal Essay,” August 17, 2025
Artists
2023-2025 Residents
Program Purpose
AiRP was created to integrate the arts into the GTHS mission and highlight the Gunflint Trail as a place of creativity, reflection, and connection to nature.
Inspired by residency programs at national parks and institutions like the Science Museum of Minnesota, a small committee—including Kim Dayton, Kim Gordon, Bill Douglas, and René Block—recognized GTHS as an ideal home for this initiative.
Value to Artists and Community
For artists, AiRP provides dedicated time and space to create, shaped by one of Minnesota’s most remote and visually compelling landscapes. It encourages meaningful engagement with the ecology, history, and rhythm of the Northwoods.
For the Gunflint Trail community, the program enriches cultural life and fosters creative exchange. Through exhibits, workshops, and storytelling, artists offer fresh perspectives and deepen appreciation for the Gunflint Trail.
There is no formal call for artists at this time. Updates will be shared as new opportunities become available.
Current Committee
The AiRP Committee is currently comprised of Bill Douglas, Kris Kieper, Sarah Clark, Vi Nelson, Kim Gordon, and Emily Regan.
2026 ARTISTS - COMMUNITY EVENTS
There are several opportunities to engage with this summer’s artists on the Trail. Additional details will be available on the GTHS Calendar soon.
Kelly Dupre
Wed, June 24
Woodcarving Workshop
Scott Krohn
Sun, July 12
Colored Pencil Demo & Exhibit
Briand Morrison
Sat, July 18, 4-6 pm
Jazz Guitar Concert
Residents’ Donated Work
Briand Morrison
Composing In-Residence
July 18, 2026 Concert
Winter 2026 Resident
‘Vanguards’
by James Ellis
Summer 2025 Resident
‘Trail Cam Famous’
by Lauren Burton
Summer 2025 Resident
‘Lady Slipper’
by Linda Powers
Spring 2025 Resident
Support the Program
Help welcome a visiting artist to the Gunflint Trail.
Community members are invited to support the GTHS AiRP by sharing housing, studio space, or local knowledge—such as a favorite hike, scenic overlook, or special place that reflects the spirit of the Trail.
Support for artist community events may include providing food and beverages, assisting with setup and take-down, or sharing event news within personal networks.
Each act of support helps make a residency meaningful and memorable. Interest in supporting the program—in any form—is always appreciated.
Partnerships
This program has been made possible in part by a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council’s Clean Water Legacy Fund, through an appropriation to the State of Minnesota from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Location
57 miles up the Gunflint Trail
28 Moose Pond Drive
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Contact
Hours
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center will reopen for the 2026 season, May 23!
Come enjoy the hiking trails!
Location
57 miles up the Gunflint Trail
28 Moose Pond Drive
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Contact
Hours
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center will reopen for the 2026 season, May 23!
Come enjoy the hiking trails!