Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

  • Who is eligible to apply?

    Any artist is eligible to apply as long as they are at least 21 years of age and not enrolled in a degree program at the time the residency would occur.

  • Can collaboratives apply?

    Yes. PenArt can only accommodate collaboratives of up to two artists to live on-site and participate in the residency. Collaboratives should submit one application.

  • Is it possible to submit both jpegs and video?

    Yes, you may submit up to 10 total uploads of any mix of jpegs (up to 5MB each), audio, or video (up to 250MB each). Do not include external links to media samples or websites. Do not include multiple page PDFs as one media sample.

  • What if my contact information or reference information changes after I’ve submitted my application online?

    Email Elysia Michaelsen, Artistic Director with any changes.

  • Can I edit my application after it has been submitted?

    If it is before the deadline, yes. Email Elysia Michaelsen, Artistic Director. She will “Un-Submit” your application so that you can make changes. After you’ve made changes, you can then re-submit your application. No additional application fee is charged. The SlideRoom system does not allow PenArt to make any changes to an application. No changes can be made after the deadline.

  • What if I experience technical problems with the SlideRoom application?

    All technical questions should be emailed to support@slideroom.com. SlideRoom is very responsive to artist inquiries.

  • May I snail mail my application and supplementary materials to PenArt??

    No, all applications must be submitted through SlideRoom.

  • What is the decision-making timeline?

    Notifications to all applicants are sent via email after the selection committee has made its final decision and references have been contacted. The selection process takes approximately eight weeks from the application deadline.

Studios

  • What are the studios like?

    As a resident you have 24-hour access to your own 500+ square foot, semi-private workspace. Each space is filled with natural light and equipped with large tables, chairs, ample wall space, and, if needed, heavy-duty easels. The studio is yours to arrange as you see fit.

  • Do residents have access to other studios and equipment?

    After an orientation, residents may access the printmaking, digital, metals, and ceramics studios in the main building Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8am-5pm. To learn more about our studios, click here.

  • Are there any material restrictions?

    Residents are prohibited from using high-fume mediums including but not limited to paint and lacquer thinners, aerosol paints and fixatives, and turpentine in the studios. In order to provide a low-odor environment in the studios, residents are limited to using linseed oil as an oil painting medium and odorless mineral spirits as a solvent. Synthetic resin and encaustic materials may be used in the studios with the prior approval of Elysia Michaelsen, Artistic Director.

  • Is there WiFi in the studios?

    Yes, all PenArt studios are outfitted with WiFi.

Housing

  • What is the housing like?

    Artists stay in the Resident House located directly across the street from the Peninsula School of Art campus. Each artist has a private bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed*, nightstand, small desk, chair, and closet. The fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry are shared among residents. *Two-person collaborative teams share a room with the option of a queen-sized bed or two twin beds.

  • How many artists are in residence at a time?

    Two artists and/or collaboratives.

  • Are meals provided?

    No. Residents are responsible for their own meals.

  • Is there a washer and dryer in the house?

    Yes, it is shared by all residents.

  • Is the residency/housing accessible for people with disabilities?

    Our Resident House is not accessible to all. There are two stairs to enter the house and the bathrooms are not ADA compliant. Our main building, which houses our offices, gallery, and studios, is ADA compliant. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll work with you to support them.

  • Can I have overnight guests?

    No. Overnight guests are not allowed, please seek other accommodations. If you have questions specific to this, please contact us.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    No. The housing at PenArt is shared and no dogs or pets other than certified service animals are allowed in PenArt buildings.

  • Is there WiFi in the house?

    Yes, the Resident House is outfitted with WiFi.

Programming

  • What is expected of me while I’m in residence?

    PenArt expects each resident to use their time and studio space to actively pursue artistic research. The residency experience is not product-oriented or tied to a specific project proposal.

  • What programming am I required to participate in?

    Opportunities for meaningful engagement and exchange are built into each residency session, including a Meet the Residents video and End-of-Session Studio Tour open to the public. The studio event invites members of the community to learn more about what’s happening in PenArt’s studios, explore residents’ work, and ask questions. Participation in these two events is required.

  • What are studio visits with the Visiting Critic like?

    Accomplished artists, educators, and curators, PenArt’s visiting critics offer a range of perspectives, experiences, and thoughts. Studio visits are one hour in length and are designed to strengthen and support the advancement of residents’ work and their engagement with the larger art world.

  • What other programming is there?

    There are a variety of other public programs held throughout each residency session, including series classes and workshops, local artists renting studio space who are interested in the self-directed creation of work in a communal setting; monthly Critique Group sessions; exhibition openings; lectures; and family-friendly activities. Participation in these programs is optional.

  • Can I sell my work during events/programs?

    Yes. All sales are handled by the artist. PenArt does not take a commission.

  • Is there a volunteer or community service requirement?

    No. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us as there are a variety of hands-on opportunities.

Life in Door County

  • What’s it like in Fish Creek?

    Our campus and Resident House are located less than a mile from downtown Fish Creek. Nearby attractions include taverns and restaurants, a small grocery store, post office, hardware store, YMCA, Door County Auditorium, Peninsula State Park, and Lake Michigan. While Door County is primarily a summer and fall destination for tourists, it’s a great place to spend the winter and spring – a bit quieter, but equally beautiful.

  • Getting around?

    While many necessities and attractions are within close proximity, a car is helpful. Door County has very limited taxi and shuttle services.

  • Can I visit before my residency?

    Absolutely! Email Elysia Michaelsen, Artistic Director to schedule a visit.

Fees

  • What is the fee?

    PenArt believes in the value of time and space. All residencies are provided free of charge.

  • What if I can’t stay for the entire session?

    If you know that you have other obligations that will take away more than 10% of your time, please consider not accepting.