Northen Michigan's New Artist Ambassador Program Invites Artists Outside
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Friends of the Porcupine Mountains Unveils New "Artist Ambassador" Program to Bridge Art and Wilderness
ONTONAGON, MI — The Friends of the Porcupine Mountains (Friends of the Porkies) is proud to announce the pilot of its newest initiative: the Park Artist Ambassador program. This new role works in addition to the park’s current photo ambassadors, representing the first-ever ambassador position focused solely on the arts to deepen the connection between Michigan’s largest state park and the broader creative community.
The Artist Ambassador serves as a creative bridge between the park and its visitors. By
facilitating hands-on workshops and leading art-focused park tours, the Ambassador invites visitors to see the landscape through an artistic perspective. This role aims to foster an inclusive arts presence, ensuring that creative opportunities are welcoming to all skill levels and backgrounds.
"The Artist Ambassador invites visitors to see this ancient landscape through a creative lens," - Joan Hawley, President of the Friends of the Porkies.
"By fostering these connections, we aren’t just celebrating art; we’re inspiring a deeper sense of stewardship for the natural world." Hawley continued.
The Friends of the Porkies is pleased to announce that Caroline Meehean, an artist from central
Wisconsin, and Jake Ring, a photographer and explorer from Ironwood, MI, will serve as the
inaugural Artist Ambassadors. Meehean is a practicing artist and an active member of the
Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Steering Committee. Ring is a published photographer
and videographer working on his next book, “The Comprehensive Porcupine Mountains
Waterfall Book.” Together, they will help shape the program’s vision, promoting the park as a
source of inspiration and a welcoming space for creative exploration.
Connect directly with Jake Ring at ringoproductions.com
Connect directly with Caroline Meehean at www.carolinemeehean.com
This pilot program builds upon the Friends’ long-standing commitment to cultural programming.
The organization already manages the prestigious Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence program, which offers creators a remote cabin stay to draw inspiration from 60,000 acres of old-
growth forest. Additionally, the Friends host the annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, an immensely popular signature event bringing a wide variety of musical performances to an
outdoor stage located at the ski hill chalet at the mountain’s base.
Central to the park's creative heartbeat is the Folk School. Located within the park, the school
provides a space where heritage skills—from woodworking to fiber arts—are preserved and
shared. Both Meehean’s and Ring’s work will harmonize with these existing programs to ensure
the park remains a premier destination for both environmental and cultural exploration.
Individual artists and artist groups interested in developing or participating in workshops,
creative programs, inspirational park tours, or other arts-related activities are encouraged to
connect directly with Caroline Meehean at www.carolinemeehean.com or Jake Ring at ringoproductions.com or contact the Friends of the Porcupine Mountains at friendsofporkies@gmail.com.
About the Friends of the Porcupine Mountains
The Friends of the Porcupine Mountains is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to
supporting the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Through advocacy, education, and
diverse programming, the Friends group works to preserve the park’s pristine character while
enhancing the experience for all visitors.
About the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park, encompassing
nearly 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, rivers, and Lake Superior shoreline in the
western Upper Peninsula. Known affectionately as “the Porkies,” the park offers year-round
opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, skiing, and outdoor recreation while
preserving one of the Midwest’s most significant wilderness landscapes.\
