About the Open Call

The Suzanne Wilson Artist-in-Residence program at The Glen Arbor Arts Center provides a unique opportunity for artists to work in the awe-inspiring locale of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The program offers several two-week residencies each year, aimed at providing artists a respite from daily responsibilities to concentrate on their work. Free housing is provided in a second-floor walk-up apartment (not handicap accessible), which includes a bedroom, living room, small bath, and limited galley kitchen. Resident artists will need to bring linens and towels; household pets and smoking are not allowed, and art materials are prohibited in the apartment. A rustic, seasonal studio space with a cement floor and overhead lighting is provided at Thoreson Farm, approximately 3.7 miles from the Arts Center. It is a shared space with electric space heaters and limited tools (easels, tables, chairs, and for ceramics: a small electric kiln, raku kiln, electric/kick wheels, slab roller, extruder). Clay and glazes are available for purchase. Residencies are considered in creative writing, visual art, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, and music. Each residency is a one-person opportunity, and solo practitioners able to work independently are encouraged to apply; group proposals are not considered. Selected artists are expected to commit to the full 14-day residency and make a presentation to the community on the second Thursday of their stay. Artists may be asked to donate a piece created during or as a result of the residency. While Glen Arbor is walkable, a vehicle is advised for accessing the Thoreson Farm studio and the wider Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

What is Offered

Free housing in a second-floor walk-up apartment and access to a rustic seasonal studio space at Thoreson Farm. The program offers artists a dedicated time and space to concentrate on their work. A local host assists guest artists with acclimation to the area.

Requirements

Applicants must be solo practitioners capable of independent work; group or collaborative team proposals are not accepted. Artists must commit to the full 14-day residency and be able to climb stairs unassisted as the provided housing is not handicap accessible. Selected artists are expected to make a presentation to the community. Artists who have been selected for a GAAC residency in the preceding three years are ineligible. Household pets, smoking, and the use of art materials/painting are prohibited in the apartment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the online application form on the Glen Arbor Arts Center website; email or mailed applications are not accepted. Applicants need to prepare a resume (PDF, 1MB maximum file size). Non-visual artists must submit 3 work samples in a PDF file (1MB maximum), while visual artists need to submit 6-8 images of work in JPG, GIF, or PNG format (2MB maximum file size per image). Artists are encouraged to submit their website URL. Preferred residency dates must be indicated. A non-refundable $35 application fee will be paid at checkout to complete the application process. The deadline for 2026 applications is January 6 at 2:00 pm, with notifications by mid-March.