Fellowships & Scholarships

Thanks to the generous support of hundreds of individual donors and several foundations, our juried trips will be offered at no cost in 2021. Although we realize artists still make substantial sacrifices to attend, we are happy to expand the accessibility of our programs by eliminating the residency fees. In addition, we offer two special scholarships to attendees of each one of our Wide Open Studios trips. Applicants “opt in” to be eligible by simply checking a box on the application form.

G. Douglas Byers Memorial Fellowship

Doug Byers was a gifted photographer, musician, and storyteller. He was also a vital friend and source of inspiration to many of us at Signal Fire. Doug and his partner, artist Susan Murrell, were key supporters for our Winter Wren Residency in La Grande. They welcomed and oriented each new resident to this rural community with meals and friendship, providing a warm fireplace and instant camaraderie. Doug was also a critical sounding board during the decision to grow Signal Fire from a small art project into an organization. “It’s a condor!” he said.

Through the generosity of Susan and Doug’s family, we have created a fellowship in his name. so that more artists can share his love of creativity and natural beauty. Donate in Doug’s memory to help build this fund.

“Steady on, with courage and love.”

These scholarships are based on merit of the applicant’s work, as recommended by the selection panel. Artists are eligible simply by checking a box on the application form.

This Land is Our Land Fellowship

Inspired by our favorite Carolyn Finney essay, Signal Fire offers Fellowships in recognition of communities that are often excluded from the popular narrative of American environmentalism and outdoor culture. Artists and activists that identify as people of color, Indigenous, immigrants to any country, or who identify as disabled or differently-abled are invited to apply for this fellowship. Signal Fire recognizes the extraordinary and relatively unlauded contributions from these communities to environmental defense and place-based advocacy, and knows that they are integral to the future of a meaningful cultural engagement with wild places. Candidates who self-identify as eligible can opt-in during the application process.