Bernheim Seeks Visual Artists for 2012 Artist in Residence Program

Bernheim Forest is accepting applications for next year’s Artist in Residence Program.The program lets visual artists spend several months in the forest, creating art inspired by nature. Bernheim provides the artist with a stipend and housing, and in return the artist leaves at least one work of art with the forest.Bernheim spokeswoman Susan Ritter says art is a natural fit with the research forest’s mission.“Bernheim’s artist in residence program fits with founder I.W. Bernheim, his goals and missions for what he created for the community,” she said. “He was always very interested in art and how it touched people’s lives.”Bernheim spokeswoman Susan Ritter says most of the art created relates to nature in some way.“So it’s another way for the community the visitors that come to Bernheim to contemplate nature and think about the world in a different way,” she said.In the past, Ritter says artists have utilized some natural materials in their work, and the art eventually decomposes. Applications for the position are being accepted until January 31.