Supporting Emerging Artists

As part of our mission, we support and host visual and literary artists and scholars of all kinds who are influenced by a sense of place, including the natural world and humankind’s place in it. Our art-related programming continues the Mellons’ long history of generous support at the intersection of the arts and the environment.

Emerging artists engage with Oak Spring through either a residency or fellowship program, as detailed below.

Residencies are also open to scholars or researchers who are interested in the Oak Spring Garden Library. Visit our Researchers Page to learn more and apply for a residency or fellowship.

Artist Awards

We are now accepting applications for our 2020 Artist Awards, including the Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence, our Artists in Residence Program (AiR), and our Botanical Artists in Residence (BAiR). All artist residents are provided a stipend, housing accommodation, and 24-hour access to studio space on the Oak Spring estate in Upperville, Virginia (see slideshow above; additional images forthcoming). For more information on the residency, including our site, accommodations, and resources, read our 2020 OSGF Residency Handbook. Read below for more details on each of these programs and to learn more about our past awardees.

To Apply:

The button below will take you to our application portal, where you will be prompted to create an application profile. Please note that you are able to save drafts of your application, log out, and return to your draft application at any time before the application deadline. If you have any questions regarding the application process or requirements, please email programs@osgf.org. Applications for the Eliza Moore Fellowship and AiR must be completed by August 11, 2019. Applications for the BAiR must be completed by November 8, 2019.

Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence Alum

Artist in Residence Alum

How do we define an emerging artist?

Our support to artists–in both our residencies and fellowships–prioritizes emerging artists who show significant potential, but are under-recognized. We define an “emerging artist” as an artist who is early career, self-directed, and pre-professional. An emerging artist can be of any age and of any technical background (we consider both academically trained and non-academically trained artists) and are no longer enrolled in a degree-related program.

To help us recognize an emerging artist, we look for some evidence of professional achievement and recognition, but do not expect a substantial record of accomplishment. Examples of recognition include exhibitions, critical reviews, commissions, performances, grant awards, residencies, fellowships, publications, and productions. Our selection committee considers not only the number of these acknowledgments, but also timing, size, characteristics, geographic context, and significance.

 All emerging artists who are invited to work at Oak Spring have the necessary equipment and skills to work independently, but may require support in the form of time, space, financial assistance, and community.

Seeking Art/Science Collaborations:

We are now accepting Letters of Intent for a 2020 place-based project in the Virginia Piedmont that relates to the American chestnut tree.

The story of the American chestnut reflects a once-abundant North American species that has been nearly wiped out by a fungal infection from Asia. We are seeking artists/scientists to help us visualize and communicate what can be learned from the demise of the American chestnut and the struggle for its revival. The project will utilize the American chestnut salvaged split rail fences that were once a part of OSGF estate (see image at left).

View our full Call for Letters of Intent and submit your creative idea here by July 29, 2019.

OSGF is an emerging member of the Alliance of Artists Communities.