Shenandoah National Park announced the selection of sound artist Dianne Ballon as the August Artist-in-Residence.
“Dianne’s unique art form – sound – will invite our visitors to slow down and listen to the sounds of Shenandoah National Park” stated Superintendent Jim Northup.
Dianne Ballon is a sound artist and independent radio producer from Portland, Maine. She spent years as a visual artist (BFA, Massachusetts College of Art, 1975) before “sound” caught her ear. Ten of her sound works have aired on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. “We know of the spectacular visual beauty of Shenandoah National Park, but what of its sound? I will create a sound portrait of Shenandoah National Park by recording the natural sounds of the park, and by summoning “stories” to record as part of the residency,” stated Dianne Ballon. “I would like to capture the spirit of place from visitors and locals alike: what do these mountains mean to you? If you have a story to share about calling these mountains home, or if your family has lived in the valley for generations, I would like to hear from you,” stated Ms. Ballon.
Dianne will be available to record these stories during her two-week residency. Please contact Lisa Wilkolak if you are interested in sharing your story with Dianne. Updates will also be posted on Shenandoah’s Facebook page inviting visitors to share their story either in person with Dianne or through social media using the hashtag #shareshenandoah. Dianne’s recordings will be featured at a later date in a sound installation at the Byrd Visitor Center.
Dianne’s residency runs from August 8 through August 19, 2016. Park visitors are invited to join Dianne during her residency for a public program and interactive demonstration at the Byrd Visitor Center. Please visit our websitehttp://www.nps.gov/shen for more information on the public program. The public presentation is suitable for visitors of all ages.
The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. Shenandoah National Park is a jewel among National Park Service sites and offers a distinctive array of natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities for visitors. The Artist-in-Residence program is established in numerous National Park
Service sites to inspire artists to create and share art that not only motivates and encourages millions of people to visit and explore, but also helps build awareness and develop stewardship of these beautiful public lands.
Shenandoah’s Artist-in-Residence program is supported by a generous donation from the Shenandoah National Park Trust. “Donors to the Shenandoah National Park Trust are proud to fund programs like Artist in Residence, which explore new opportunities to connect people with this remarkable landscape,” stated Shenandoah National Park Trust President Susan Sherman.
More information about the Artist–in-Residence program can be found on the park’s website at: https://www.nps.gov/shen/
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