Julie Highlen

DEERTON — Julie Highlen of Deerton has been awarded a professional (or) organization pevelopment grant of $1,250 from the state of Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

The grant was awarded through the MACC peer review process and was one of 711 applicants to compete for the MACC fiscal year 2024 fund.

The funds will support a personalized artist-in-residency at Isle Royale National Park for August of 2024. Most of Julie’s current artwork depicts Michigan’s mainland Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior shorelines, and northern Minnesota.

The artist’s goal is to expand her artistic scope by adding Isle Royale scenes from personal experience to her portfolio. During the roughly two-week island residency, Julie’s primary focus will be to use acrylic paints on small wood block panels to create a collection of “mini moments” that portray life on Isle Royale.

In addition to being drawn to the island’s natural beauty, she will be exploring some of the historical landmarks like the Edisen Fishery and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse with paint.

During the residency Julie will strive to capture the variety of characteristics Isle Royale has to offer, including wildlife.

“I feel honored and privileged to be awarded this grant. I plan on being very disciplined during this residency to capture as much of the island as possible.:

While on the island, an informal public program toward the end of Julie’s residency will feature an assortment of her paintings on display, explaining to interested people what drew her to paint each subject.

This experience will also provide the opportunity for the artist to use her artwork to help others develop an appreciation for the marvels of our natural world, along with the need to protect and care for those wonders.

It may also encourage budding artists to pack their paints for their next explorational adventure!

The MACC peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals.

This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.

A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MACC at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MACC website at 222.michigan.gov/arts.