The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust is now taking applications for its third annual artist residency program, which will begin in September 2025.
The program will select up to eight artists to spend six nights on Rose Island in Narragansett Bay, working on projects inspired by the island’s environment and history.
“After two years of successful residencies, this program has become an important part of our community engagement and has helped foster relationships across our local arts landscape. We’re delighted to welcome our third cohort and excited to see how Rose Island will inspire this year’s applicants,” said Jen Thum, residency co-organizer and Vice President of the Trust.
The residency aims to protect the island’s historic and environmental value while keeping the lighthouse open to the public for learning and enjoyment.
Past participants have created a range of works, including an accordion-style alphabet book and underwater photography projects.
Erica Connolly, a 2024 resident artist and elementary school art teacher from Jamestown, created “R is for Rose Island,” an alphabet book using printmaking and cyanotypes of island leaves.
Another 2024 artist, Chloe Ellison, focused on capturing the island’s underwater landscapes and sea life using 35mm underwater film cameras.
Artists interested in applying have until April 11 to submit their applications. The application form is available at https://www.roseisland.org/artist-residency.
The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust, a Newport-based nonprofit, has been working to restore and maintain the island’s lighthouse and historic buildings since the mid-1980s.
To learn more about the trust’s work, visit roseisland.org or follow them on social media @roseislandnewport on Instagram and Facebook.com/roseisland.lighthouse.
