Great Smoky Mountains National Park is piloting an artist-in-residence program, which will provide artists with uninterrupted time to pursue their body of artwork as well as the opportunity to engage and inspire the public through outreach programs. The program is a part of the National Park Service Volunteer program.

Each artist selected will have the adventure of living in and creating their art within the park for four to six weeks. The resident artist will have an opportunity to create works and experiences that promote an understanding of the need to preserve and care for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The park has selected the following seven artists for the remainder of 2012:

• Tom Virgin from Miami, Fla.; woodcuts.

• Kelly Adams from Greenville; painting and drawing.

• Michael Burke from South Bend, Ind.; filmmaker.

• Rob Wilson from Orlando, Fla.; photography and writing.

• Leigh Ann Carter from Monterey Bay, Calif; scientific illustration.

• Michal Truelsen from Lowell, Mass.; paper relief images.

In addition to resident artists, the park has also selected Tagan Crowe, a local student artist from Cherokee High School, to participate in the program. Crowe works primarily in oils and paints on large canvases and currently has an original painting on display at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Each artist will contribute a piece of original artwork, which characterizes Great Smoky Mountains National Park and present two public programs. The programs will be announced by the park as they are scheduled.

The program is possible due to support from Friends of Great Smoky Mountain National Parks and collaboration with Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts.

865.436.1265.