Nancy Ingersoll Foster Artist in Residence Program

Bellows Lake at the Parsons Center

Bellows Lake at the Parsons Center

Studio space at the Parsons Center

Studio space at the Parsons Center

House detail - Parsons Center

House detail - Parsons Center

Exterior, Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts

Exterior, Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts

Nancy Ingersoll Foster Artist in Residence Program

Lake Ann, MI, United States

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
Contact
Year Founded
2025
Context
Remote
Residency Structure
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Retreat
Community-engaged
Experiential
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
How does your residency program support artists?
Unstructured time
Unrestricted funding
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Opportunities for work with the local community
Opportunities to exhibit or perform new work
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
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Materials in large print
Use of colored paper for printed materials
High contrast, clear way-finding and/or signage
Staff/volunteer reading information aloud
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Partially Accessible
Additional Accessibility Information

The Oliver Art Center is an accessible facility. The Parsons Center is partially accessible; inquire if you have specific needs so we can determine how best to provide assistance during your stay.

Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Local arrangements coordinated by resident
Accessibility Contact Name
Theresa Gimpel
Accessibility Contact Email
theresa@oliverart.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Housing available
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
Universally designed
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry in housing
WIFI available in housing
Air Conditioned Housing
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Meals Provided
Residents have access to private kitchen
No meals are provided
Computer/Internet Access
Wireless Internet (WIFI)
Studios/Facilities Details

Between the studio space at the Parsons Center and at the Oliver Art Center, there are a variety of spaces and equipment for various media. Please inquire for details.

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)
Studio Support/Tech
Studio/facility orientation provided
Studios/facilities Details
Air Conditioned