AMISTAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area is located on the United States/Mexico border just outside Del Rio, Texas between San Antonio and the Big Bend region. The recreation area consists of the United States side of International Amistad Reservoir. Amistad Dam was built by the United States and Mexico on the Rio Grande in 1969 to store water and prevent flooding. The word 'Amistad' is Spanish for friendship and commemorates the relationship between the two nations.

The national recreation area was established in 1990 to offer diverse water-based recreational opportunities. Boating and fishing are two major visitor activities. The park was also created to protect and interpret exceptional examples of Lower Pecos archeology and rock art.

The Amistad region is located in a transition zone of three major biotic communities: the Chihuahuan desert enters from the west, and is exemplified by Big Bend National Park; the Edwards Plateau, also known as the Texas Hill Country, is to the north; and Tamaulipan shrubland brings tropical Mexican flora and fauna from the south and east.

Southwest Texas is also a transition zone between standard United States culture and Mexico, and some people recognize a distinct border culture. Mexican influences are obvious in the Amistad area, and Spanish continues to be a useful communication tool. Del Rio's sister city, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, is a short distance across the border. Many people believe it is the best Mexican border city.

The combination of pristine turquoise-colored water in the midst of desert shrubland, 4,000 year-old murals painted in rock shelters, and a wide variety of flora, fauna, and culture from two neighboring countries makes Amistad an inspiring resource for creative artists.

THE DEL RIO ART COMMUNITY

Del Rio has a small art community and various organizations and individuals are working hard to promote and expand local art. One example is the First Friday Art Walk- five or six locations in downtown Del Rio open their doors once a month to exhibit local and regional artists. One intent of the Artist in Residence program is to fully integrate the park into the Del Rio community through the arts. The artist can expect to work closely with various local art organizations.

Local art organizations address a variety of audiences. The Casa de la Cultura (www.lacasadelcomite.org) in historic Brown Plaza has a gallery and offers a wide variety of classes, including pottery, weaving, dance, guitar, drawing and painting, Spanish language courses, and a low-cost summer art camp for local children. The Del Rio Council for the Arts (www.delrioarts.org) offers a gallery and similar courses; it is located in the historic Del Rio Firehouse.

Other groups involved in the arts include:

• Paul Poag Theater for the Performing Arts
  
• Adrian Falcon Gallery
  
• Lee Bunch Studio
  
• Pecan Street Station
  
• Del Rio Art League

What to Expect

Weather in the Del Rio area varies from mild winters to hot and moderately humid summers. Rainfall is sporadic and unpredictable. Visitors rarely experience more than a couple of days of inclement weather in a row. Compared to most areas of the country, Amistad provides artists, especially outdoor artists, a friendly work space.

Del Rio, Texas, has about 35,000 residents and offers most basic services. San Antonio, 2 ½ hours east, has sources for technical art and photo supplies.

The park can provide rent-free housing in a small trailer with full hookups. Family members may accompany the artist depending on available space. The park can usually arrange studio space in coordination with local art organizations. The artist will be operating under the National Park Service Volunteers In Parks (VIP) program and will be required to sign a Volunteer Agreement to formalize the relationship. This agreement provides workers compensation for work-related injuries.

The artist should bring:

• Basic living supplies.


• Personal art supplies.


• Reliable transportation.


• Flexibility, self-sufficiency, and an ability to work independently.


• An ability to work closely with park staff and the local community.


• An interest in working in a diverse cultural environment.

To further the mission of Amistad National Recreation Area, the park requires the artist to:

• Donate an example of their work related to their residency at Amistad. The work(s) will become the property of the National Park Service.
  
• Provide at least one free one-day public workshop in their medium. The park will provide all necessary supplies for the public workshop.

The park and the artist will work closely together to achieve mutually-satisfactory goals and agreements. The park is committed to ensuring a positive and meaningful experience for the artist, park, and public. Please review our web site (www.nps.gov/amis) for in-depth information on the park's resources and mission.

The Selection Process

A jury of representatives from the art community, subject matter experts, and park employees select from the pool of applicants. Selections will be made on the basis of merit and how their work can benefit Amistad NRA and the National Park Service. Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, marital status, age, or national origin.

How to Apply

For additional information or to submit an application, please write:

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