ABOUT AIRIE
Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit operating in Everglades National Park (ENP) and the Greater Miami Area. We believe artists are essential problem solvers who can reveal new narratives and solutions for social and environmental change through their artistic storytelling. AIRIE supports a paid month-long immersive residency for artists in the park to explore the intersection of arts and the environment. In addition, AIRIE provides its own gallery space, organizes local events, and fosters community with a diverse team engaged in the Miami art scene. See more about who we are in the video below.
WHO WE ARE
HISTORY OF AIRIE
AIRIE was founded in 2001 through the efforts of Donna Marxer and the Everglades National Park’s Chief of Interpretation, Alan Scott. Believing in the transformative power of the arts, they sought a way for South Florida artists to spend extended time in the Everglades. They hoped to bring attention to the magnificence it had to offer and further a message of the necessity of this landscape and the challenges it faces with changes in climate and surrounding land development.
Alan and Donna worked with the National Parks Service to establish AIRIE as an official partner of the ENP, operating in tandem with the Volunteers-in-Parks program to manage the artist residency. An agreement was made to allow AIRIE artists the use of an apartment originally built for Park staff in the 1950s, now known as the AIRIE Cabin.
In 2021, under the stewardship of Board Co-Chairs Esther Park and T. Robertson Carter, we did a deep dive into the ethos of AIRIE and began the work to explore how to make the outdoors and the National Parks, a space of belonging for all. We engaged a National Advisory and along with the Board, we reimagined a more inclusive AIRIE. For the 2022 residency, we received more than 500+ applications, an increase of 200+% from years prior*.
Since its founding, AIRIE has welcomed over 200+ artists, writers, curators, choreographers, musicians, and other creatives to its residency program, permeating the national and international art landscape with unique interpretations and stories of the Everglades.
*estimated increase
MISSION STATEMENT
Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) in partnership with the Everglades National Park, strives to support and enhance the arts and cultural heritage of the Everglades subtropical wilderness by empowering artists to think creatively and critically about their relationship to the environment with a mission of revealing new paths forward.
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
We are clear that there cannot be environmental justice without social and racial justice.
The preservation of the Everglades and exploration of environmental issues are cornerstones of AIRIE’s programming.
We adhere to these roots while moving forward to establish a foundation for a more inclusive roadmap that includes more diversity in our artists, programs, audience, and leadership.
We see art as a valuable connective resource to raise awareness and provide creative solutions. We understand that we have a platform and responsibility to support artists who are seeking them.
We are grateful to learn from them and hope you will join us in supporting our efforts.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
AIRIE acknowledges that through generations, indigenous peoples and nations have stewarded the land and waterways of the area that is now South Florida. These nations include the former Calusa and Tequesta and the current Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We honor and respect these communities, past, present, and future who protect the Everglades and include art-making and storytelling in their culture.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Committee 2023 - 2024
CO-CHAIRS
Jonathan Truppman
Riyaad Seecharan
STRATEGIC PLANNIING COMMITTEE
T. Robertson Carter*
Alejandro De Onis
Tyler Emerson-Dorsch
Trina Harris
Felecia Hatcher Pearson
Zoë McKenzie (Board President + Chair 2025-2026)
Karen Rundlet
Alan Scott
TREASURER + HISTORIAN
Valerie Ricordi*
VICE-CHAIR
Tommy Ralph Pace
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Jonathan Truppman
Gavin McKenzie
FINANCE + TECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCES CHAIR
Riyaad Seecharan
LEGAL COUNSEL
Grant S. Smith
BOARD
T. Robertson Carter*
Sandy Dorsainvil
Tyler Emerson-Dorsch
Linda Levy Goldberg
Trina Harris
Gavin McKenzie
Zoë McKenzie (Board President + Chair 2025-2026)
Alejandro De Onis
Tommy Ralph Pace
Felecia Hatcher Pearson
Valerie Ricordi*
Karen Rundlet
Riyaad Seecharan
Grant S. Smith
Jonathan Truppman
Members
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Kathleen Morris
Alan Scott
CO-FOUNDERS
Donna Marxer°
Alan Scott
EMERITUS
Esther Park*
Lisa Fernandez
Donna Fields>>
Helen Toomer
Evette Alexander
*Indicates Former Board Chair or Co-Chair
°Indicates Deceased
>> Board Committee Advisor
NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
>> Board Committee Advisor
OFFICIAL PARTNER
Everglades National Park Team:
Alan Scott
Daniel Blankenship
Bonnie Ciolino
Superintendent Pedro Ramos
Sabrina Diaz
Allyson Gantt
CULTURAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS
AIRIE CABIN RESTORATION
Thank you to Steve Levin
In Honour of John Tanayschuk
Additional Gratitude
The Sacred Space Miami - Kathryn + Dan Mikesell - Elisa Turner + Eric Smith - Coconut Cartel - Rosie Gordon Wallace + Roy Wallace - Wynwood Brewing Company - Howard Herring - Paradise Farms - Ronald Schrager + Wendy Hart - Donna Fields + Steven Brooke - Steve Levin - Christine + Duncan Messado - Nichole Levy + Jason Roberts - T. Robertson Carter + Christopher Carter - Esther Park + Omar Clementson - Mina Hosseini + Riyaad Seecharan - Neil Robertson - Gordon Myers - Julian Marley - Tile Allemann + Jonathan Truppman - Joanie Johnson + Marco Faggi - John Joseph Lin - James Lin - Nasir Dean aka Note Marcato - Blake Anthony Johnson - Deborah Ductant + Grant Smith - Tommy Ralph Pace - Felecia Hatcher Pearson + Derick Pearson - Jessica Sirmans - Cornelius Tulloch - Germane Barnes - Evette Alexander - Friends of the Everglades - Reggie Chapple, National Parks Director of Philanthropy
Cover art by 2012 AIRIE Fellows Joanna Kidd and Danielle Downing titled Passing Through