In a Time of Change: The Art of Fire

Visual artists from interior Alaska are invited to create original artwork based on the theme of "The Art of Fire." This project is supported by the Joint Fire Sciences Program, the Alaska Fire Sciences Consortium and the Long Term Ecological Research stations at UAF, with the goal of integrating scientific and artistic perspectives on climate change in interior Alaska as it relates to fire, fire management practices and the resulting changes to ecosystems.

Six to eight visual artists will be selected to participate in the program. The selected artists will be invited on field excursions with scientists and fire management personnel near Fairbanks during the summer of 2011 and will have other informal opportunities to interact with scientists on areas of particular interest to the artist.

Field trips may include:

• Visiting scientific research sites of previous burns.
• Observing a wildfire suppression training exercise.
• Visiting an active incident command post during an active wildfire, or shadow/interview key fire personnel.

Field trips will be provided at no cost to participants. Attendance on field trips is not a requirement for participation.

Each artist will create a body of work, up to 10 pieces, for an exhibit in Fairbanks at Pioneer Park Bear Gallery for August 2012. Original works are encouraged and diverse perspectives are welcome on the theme, "The Art of Fire." Providing artists with creative freedom is a top priority.

Each participant may also be receiving a small artist grant ($100-$200 per artist). Selected works may be exhibited in Anchorage or other Alaska locations.

The application deadline is April 15. Winners will be notified by April 30.

For more information contact Karin Franzen at 907-488-7641.