MACKINAC ISLAND — Mackinac State Historic Parks has selected nine artists for its eighth annual Artist-in-Residence program on Mackinac Island for the 2026 season. The participants, ranging from painters to poets, will take part in two-week residencies from early June through early October.
The program is designed to foster artistic works inspired by the natural beauty and history of Mackinac Island. Residents will live and work in the remodeled second floor of the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center, a building that originally served as a 1915 Coast Guard Station.
A jury consisting of representatives from Mackinac State Historic Parks and the Mackinac Island Community Foundation selected the nine participants from a pool of 41 applicants. The selection committee based its decisions on artistic merit and the ability of the artist to create work that reflects the island’s history and natural landscape.
Steve Brisson, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, noted that the organization is eager to see the results of the 2026 season. “Mackinac State Historic Parks looks forward to welcoming a very talented group of artists to Mackinac Island throughout the 2026 season,” Brisson said. “We’re excited to see how each is inspired by Mackinac and how they share their creativity while on the island.”
The 2026 schedule begins in early June with photographer Miles Clark, followed by quilter Kate Veldman and mixed-media artist Lucy Goebel. The mid-summer residents include poet LeConte Dill and painters Dylan Valade and Emily Sabree. The season will conclude with residencies by mosaic artist Yolanda Gonzalez, poet Lily Tobias and photographer Rebekah Burgess.
During their two-week stays, each artist must host one public presentation, such as a workshop, lecture or reading. These events are scheduled for 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each residency period. Artists are also required to donate one completed work to Mackinac State Historic Parks within 12 months of their residency.
The program receives support from Mackinac Associates, a group that works to preserve and share the heritage of the region. Mackinac State Historic Parks operates as an agency within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and manages several sites, including Fort Mackinac, the Biddle House and Colonial Michilimackinac.
The 2026 program is scheduled to begin on June 2 with photographer Clark. His public presentation will take place on June 10. The final workshop of the season is set for Sept. 30 with Burgess.