2026 Call for Residency Applicants: Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts

The Nancy Ingersoll Foster Artist Residency Program
 is presented by the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts in Frankfort, Michigan. This 2-week program provides a working retreat for a visual artist to focus on a special project while exploring the inspiration and peacefulness that northwest Michigan offers. The Residency will be held at the Parsons Center for Arts and Sciences in Lake Ann, Michigan. Exhibits and workshops will take place at the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, MI. Both locations are near Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes coastline of northern Michigan. The Parsons Center for Arts and Sciences is an 86-acre interdisciplinary educational center and natural area. The Resident will have access to the private house, grounds, and large studio space.

Oliver Art Center provides:

  • 2 weeks’ private lodging and access to the Parsons Center's and/or OAC studio spaces
  • $500 honorarium upon after completion of the Residency
  • Opportunity to exhibit at the Oliver Art Center after completion of the residency
  • Interaction with and support from our staff, artist members and instructors
  • Web, email and social media promotion throughout the residency

The Resident agrees to:

  • Provide an educational workshop, demo, or lecture
  • Share promo material from OAC
  • Donate a small work to OAC
  • Supply their own food
Deadline
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
1
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Drawing
Illustration
Mixed Media
Painting
Paper Arts
Printmaking
Sculpture
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Only open to artists based in country the program is located
Family Friendly
Residents granted leave during residency
Stage of Career
Emerging
Mid-career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Donate a work of art
Give artist talk or presentation
Lead workshop for the public
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Residents have access to private kitchen
No meals are provided
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Exhibition / Installation Space
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Slab Roller
Electric Kiln
Lighting Studio/Green Screen
Printers + Scanner
Photo + Video Editing Suite
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Printmaking Workspaces
Etching Press
Drying Racks
Woodworking Tools
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Additional Eligibility Information

Who may apply:

  • Artists 18 years of age or older, exhibiting excellence in their creative field in a variety of disciplines including: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, glass, or other visual arts or mixed media. Artists must demonstrate a strong commitment to arts education and community engagement. The residency is open to all media and styles except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the Oliver Art Center or incompatible with the accommodations of the Parsons Center. Artists must be available from September 5, 2026 to September 19, 2026.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
1
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
12
Artist Stipend
500
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
0
US Dollar (USD)
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application