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NAU Artist Residency Program

flagstaff frontierSedona AZ (February 11, 2015) –  The Coconino County Arizona Board of Supervisors has approved a license agreement with Northern Arizona University (NAU) that will create an artist-in-residency program at the county wwned Frontiere property – a 240-acre parcel located adjacent to Rogers Lake County Natural Area in Flagstaff, Arizona.

NAU officials are expected to sign the contract this week and the program will begin accepting applications immediately for summer sessions.

The residency program, which will be managed by NAU’s College of Arts and Letters, will host both emerging and professional artists in two three-week residency sessions each summer. The sessions will offer working artists and students opportunities to work side-by-side while exchanging ideas and experiences and to hone skills in a self-directed environment. Program organizers anticipate professional artists will reside on site (with campus housing provided for students by the university) and that the property’s existing horse stalls will be utilized as painting and drawing areas, with the existing garage functioning as a print making studio.

Rogers Lake is a 2,250 acre ephemeral lake that features an array of wildlife, from elk to bald eagles. The property is surrounded by pristine acreage and is within the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the world.

The Frontiere property was donated to the county by the estate of Georgia Frontiere in 2011.

In addition to an Artist in Residency program, the county owned property will be the site of a center for art education, conservation, cultural events and activities focused on the unique natural resources and landscape of Rogers Lake. Activities will include both free and fee based programs.

“This agreement between Northern Arizona University and Coconino County is a win-win for all parties,” said Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger, Chairman of its Board of Supervisors. “Since the donation of the Frontiere property in 2011, the County has looked at potential revenue generating opportunities and released an RFP soliciting proposals. After review of proposals, it was evident to the Board that using the Frontiere Property as the location for a new Artist in Residency Program is a prime opportunity to showcase one of our most beautiful conservation areas in Coconino County. We are thrilled to work with NAU on this innovative partnership.”

The proximity of the property to the Grand Canyon and Sedona makes it a natural draw for artists looking for inspiration, said NAU College of Arts and Letters Dean Michael Vincent, who has been working with the county to shape the project since last summer.

“This is not only a very exciting and project for NAU and the College of Arts and Letters, but also a great opportunity to utilize this valuable piece of property,” said Vincent. “Together, CAL and Coconino County can create something which gives back to the community while supporting the arts.”

While the primary partnership is between Coconino County and NAU, a consortium partnership will include Flagstaff Art Council, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center and NAU Centennial Forest to create opportunities for advancing science and art education at all levels.

For more information on the project, visit nau.edu/rogerslake.

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