BOTTINEAU – Lake Metigoshe State Park is hosting visual artist Aaron Michels through the North Dakota Council on the Arts’ Artist in Residency Program. His residency will run through Aug. 2.

Michels, Minot, was born in Mohall and has lived throughout the United States. He works primarily with photographic and watercolor depictions of nature and landscapes to include everything from macro images of flowers to giant mountain vistas.

On July 30, the public is invited to watch Michels demonstrate the process he utilizes to transform a raw photograph into an abstracted painting.

On July 31, Dakota Explorers of all ages are welcome and encouraged to join park staff at the amphitheater at 10 a.m. to do various artworks that connect with the outdoors.

At 7 p.m., Michels will lead a photography hike adventure, starting from the warming house, that will include a trip to Oriole Island. Along the way, he will demonstrate that you don’t need an expensive camera nor go long distances to take great nature photos. Participants should plan to bring a camera, if able. Participants should also wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk roughly 1.5 miles. All ages and skills are welcome.

The Artist in Residency Program is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. This year Lake Metigoshe, Fort Ransom and Fort Stevenson State Park are each hosting one artist.

The events are free of charge in accordance with a vehicle permit. The park charges a $7 vehicle entrance fee unless an annual pass is displayed. Please visit the event listings on the Lake Metigoshe State Park, Fort Ransom State Park or Fort Stevenson State Park Facebook pages for additional details surrounding the Artist in Residency events.

Event activities are subject to change depending on weather and COVID-19 risk levels. Visitors should follow social distancing and personal hygiene guidelines while visiting the park.