The Artist-in-Residence program includes a wide range of artistic programs that involve collaboration between artists and hosting organizations, institutions, or communities. There are residences across the country for artists to visit and experiment with their craft.

Chris Angel, owner of the Barton City Lodge, decided that as he continues with the program he wants to invite one artist per season to stay at the lodge free of charge and to immerse themselves in a project of their choice.

“I believe artists that have the opportunity to spend dedicated time on their craft in a place like this will definitely benefit from the experience,” Angel said in a statement. “In turn, we benefit from the art that they create.”

While at their assigned location, artists can use nearby structures, artifacts, landscapes, geological features, plant and animal life, and more as a source of inspiration to make art with their media of choice.

Courtesy Photo A nature shot portrays the fall season in Northeast Michigan in this undated photo by Alecxa Masters.

Masters decided to use this seven- to 14-day opportunity to expand her photography skills this fall.

Masters said that the first time she fell in love was with a camera more than 20 years ago, which has been her longest and most passionate relationship. She said all it took was a single photography class and walking into a dark room and she was hooked.

“The process of being in a dark room and having the hands-on experience, seeing the picture develop right in front of you and not being able to alter it, I find that so beautiful,” she said. “That’s why I like being here. I have the time to get the color and the lighting just right because if what I want is to not have to alter my pictures, then I’ve got to get it right.”

As a military brat, Masters said she is “from everywhere,” but Northern Michigan is where she has lived the longest after discovering later in life that her dad lived in Alpena.

“There’s something about the fall here,” she said. “I love all the colors, even though it can be cold.”

Courtesy Photo A tree near the Barton City Lodge is seen in this photo taken by Alecxa Masters this fall.

Masters said it’s been a crazy year for her as she’s been traveling and taking photos in places from Texas and New Mexico to now Michigan, expanding her career and experience as a full-time photographer.

“I’ve taken pictures of everything from birth to death and in between,” she said. “I take pictures in nature too — just everywhere. It’s been that much of a passion to me because I feel like everything is just beautiful, important, and needs to be shared.”

She said the Artist-in-Residence experience has helped her organize her thoughts more — like finding what she’s looking to accomplish with each photo — and critique herself more. She said it’s also been an opportunity for her to slow down and take a moment to get the right shot.

“Having the time and freedom alone to do my own thing is something that I have no words for,” she said. “I wake up motivated and inspired and fall asleep feeling the same as I woke up only knowing I was productive.”

During her stay, Masters said she had an opportunity to feel truly vulnerable and connect with herself and her craft, which she said can be scary to do alone but she’s also found it empowering.

Courtesy Photo This photo of nature was captured by Alecxa Masters while she visited Northeast Michigan as part of the Artist-in-Residence program.

“You feel like, ‘Hell yeah, I’m doing it,'” she said. “I think everyone can be afraid to really feel that vulnerable and alone … My intention is to reach the sky.”

Masters said she has a goal to not only continue photography but also incorporate other art forms she enjoys, like painting and building things, and one day put it all together.

Masters said that during her stay last week, she hadn’t looked at any of the photos she’d taken. She decided to wait until returning home before sorting through and selecting some of her favorites to share with Angel.

“I think this opportunity is really awesome,” she said. “For (Angel) to pick one per season is a big deal because it’s giving hope and it’s supporting the arts.”

Masters provided advice for the artists to come and stay at the Barton City location.

Courtesy Photo Alecxa Masters, dressed to be the subject in her photo, sets up her camera to take the shot.

“Immerse yourself,” she said. “I’ve taken full advantage of just walking around the woods. I’ve put on headphones and just fully immersed myself. Be alone, be vulnerable.”

She said artists who get this opportunity have a chance to really disconnect from technology and the outside world and connect with themselves and their craft.

Artist-in-Residence programs can benefit both parties as the artist gains access to resources, specialized equipment, connections, and more, while the host organizations gain new ideas, products, audiences, and more.

The artists for the winter and spring sessions have been selected: a poet and a textile artist.

Artists interested in applying for the Summer 2025 season or later can complete an application available at bartoncitylodge.com.

Courtesy Photo Alecxa Masters takes a photo of models posing by a car.

To find more of Masters work, visit her website at leximasters115.wixsite.com/alecxa-masters-photo or her Facebook Page at Alecxa Masters Photography.

News Photo by Torianna Marasco The inside of the Barton City Lodge is seen on Oct. 17. The location recently became part of the Artist-in-Residence program for artists to visit and practice their craft.

Courtesy Photo The outside of the Barton City Lodge is seen in this night-time photo by Alecxa Masters. The location recently became part of the Artist-in-Residence program for artists to visit and practice their craft.