ART 180 and Shenandoah National Park Trust are thrilled to launch a new partnership initiative, welcoming 

alumni artists from ART 180's Atlas programs to Shenandoah National Park.

The LEAP: Launching Emerging Artist Program: From Richmond to Shenandoah is a residency that merges art and nature. Artists have long had a unique connection with national parks, from painters to photographers, capturing the landscapes’ beauty and essence for the American public. Today, LEAP continues this tradition by offering one young adult artist (ages 18-30) the opportunity to explore and interpret the landscape through their personal lens.
The residency will take place from Thursday, June 12- Thursday, June 26, 2025.

During their residency, artists will experience uninterrupted creative exploration, drawing inspiration from the park’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and natural surroundings. Artists will collaborate with ART 180’s Atlas Residency Cohort, share their journey through a presentation (time TBD), and donate an original piece of art to the Shenandoah National Park Trust within six months of completing their residency. The piece should reflect their unique style and experiences in the park.

LEAP is committed to inclusivity, inviting artists from all backgrounds to bring their unique artistic expressions and cultural perspectives to the residency, enriching the exploration of Shenandoah and fostering deeper connections between art, nature, and the human experience.