A Natural History
Themed Residency

The Emlen Lab explores the evolution of extreme and striking traits in beetles, from the towering horns of rhinoceros beetles to the massive mandibles of stag beetles. Using a mix of fieldwork, lab studies, and cutting-edge genetics and genomics, the lab investigates how these extraordinary structures grow, evolve, and shape behavior. Current projects focus on the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, examining horn size, population genetics, and the dynamics of competition and mate choice.

Graduate students in the lab develop their own insect systems, studying everything from sexual selection to behavior and evolution. The lab also actively shares its discoveries with the public through films, books, and media, highlighting the wonder of animal diversity and the beauty of extreme morphology. For artists, this lab offers a unique opportunity to engage with the natural world at the intersection of science, evolution, and form.

EMLEN LAB WEBSITE

The Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum (UMZM) at the University of Montana is committed to the collection and preservation of zoological specimens for the purposes of research, education, and community outreach. The UMZM works for both current and future generations, sustaining these irreplaceable resources representing our natural heritage in Montana and beyond.

The UMZM is a researching and teaching museum that holds over 24,000 preserved vertebrate specimens documenting 150 years of natural history across our planet. This collection represents a broad area of biological diversity and provides physical material and high-quality data to researchers, students, and artists from across disciplines. Montana biodiversity is the primary strength of this collection and allows for studies of the past natural world, current changes and challenges posed to wildlife, and the future of ecosystems in this region.

UMZM Website

The mission of the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC) is to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education. Founded in 1991, MNHC was the brainchild of a group of educators who were involved in various efforts to educate both kids and adults about the natural history of western Montana, and who decided to unite those efforts into one environmental education organization. MNHC provides nature education programming for people of all ages through summer camps, kids’ activities, Visiting Naturalist in the Schools, Master Naturalist certification courses and Field Days, evening programs, Field Notes on Montana Public Radio, museum tours, and more.

Montana Natural History Center Website

The Emlen Lab residency offers artists the opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic research environment exploring the evolution of animal behavior, morphology, and communication. Situated within the University of Montana’s Division of Biological Sciences, this lab provides a rare window into the intricacies of life and adaptation — from the dazzling horns of beetles to the subtle strategies of sexual selection and survival.

Artists are invited to engage directly with scientists and students, observe active research, and draw creative inspiration from evolutionary processes and biological systems. This site is especially suited for artists interested in ecology, pattern, sound, structure, or the interconnection between art and science.

Residencies may include opportunities for dialogue, field observation, or lab-based exploration, culminating in new creative work and public sharing in collaboration with Open AIR.

The Montana Natural History Center near downtown Missoula encompasses the flora, fauna, and natural history of western Montana. The Center’s museum features interactive exhibits and a native plant garden.

Artists will have access to the following:

• Public-facing studio space located in the main exhibition space.

• Access to ample taxidermy collections, specimens & library

• Access to staff engaged in the natural history of Western Montana. 

• Wifi

Artists will have access to the following: 

• The primary research collection - dozens of state-of-the-art museum cabinets hold the majority of the specimens that may be examined. This is is a space where one can immerse themselves in the full catalog of specimens available for use. This space is limited to certain "dry" media, i.e. there are no sinks or fume hoods. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment.

• The curator's office/lab - this is the space where the curator works. It is an office and lab space with tons of natural light, large work benches, and a sink. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment.

• The specimen preparation lab - this is where specimens are dissected and prepared. There are two large utility sinks, a fume hood, large lab tables, and a full suite of dissection tools. Electrical outlets are available for AV equipment and power tools.

All UMZM spaces are ADA accessible.

Artists coming from out of town will stay at Open AIR’s Blue House—a beautiful, fully furnished residence located in Missoula's vibrant University District, just one mile from downtown. Each artist will have their own bedroom and will share two bathrooms, the kitchen, dining room, living room, backyard, and laundry facilities. Applicants will have the opportunity to share their housing needs in the Artist-in-Residence application.

In addition to an artist presentation, the artist will have the opportunity to teach a compensated workshop on-site if interested.

The artist will also have the opportunity to engage with doctoral students, undergraduates, and post-baccalaureates.

The Emlen Lab and UMZM are both on campus at the University of Montana: 

• Emlen Lab is in the Bio Research Building.

• UMZM is in both the Integrated Science Building and the Health Sciences Building.

• On-campus parking requires a UMT parking pass. However, the Blue House is less than a 0.5-mile walk to the UMT campus.

MNHC is centrally located in Missoula and easily accessed by bike, foot, or free public transportation. Parking is also available on-site.

• 120 Hickory Street, Suite A. Missoula, MT 59801

The Natural History-themed residency creates the opportunity for artists to explore and integrate scientific and historical resources from three partner sites: the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC), the Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum (UMZM) and the Emlen Lab. UMZM and Emlen are both part of the University of Montana.

During the first three weeks of the residency, the artists will rotate through the three partner sites to learn about each site, their staff, and resources, even as they begin to develop and explore their own ideas.

In the second half of the residency, the artists will have the freedom to determine where and how they want to focus their time and creative practice.