‘Everything is just beautiful’: Artist-in-Residence enjoys time at Barton City Lodge

Courtesy photo Alecxa Masters smiles for a photo.

BARTON CITY — A new location for the Artist-in-Residence program has opened in Northeast Michigan, and Alecxa Masters, a Minnesota artist with Alpena ties, was the first artist to test the location at the Barton City Lodge.

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

Chris Angel, owner of Barton City Lodge, decided that as they continue the program, they want to invite one artist per season to stay at the lodge for free and immerse themselves in a project of their choice.

“I think artists who have the opportunity to spend time dedicated to 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 they create.”

While in their assigned location, artists can use nearby structures, artifacts, landscapes, geological features, plant and animal life, and more as inspiration to create art with their chosen media.

Courtesy Photo A nature shot captures 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 his photography skills this fall.

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

“The process of being in a darkroom and having the hands-on experience of seeing the image develop right in front of you and not being able to alter it, I find it very beautiful,” she said. “That’s why I like being here. I have time to get the color and lighting right because if what I want is to not have to retouch my photos, then I have to get it right.”

As a military man, Masters said he’s “all over the place,” but northern Michigan is where he’s lived the most after discovering later in life that her father lived in Alpena.

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

Courtesy photo A tree near 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 traveled and shot in places from Texas and New Mexico to now in Michigan, expanding her career and experience as a full-time photographer.

“I took pictures of everything from birth to death and in between,” she said. “And I take pictures in nature – just everywhere. It was a passion for me because I feel that everything is beautiful, important and should be shared.”

She said the Artist-in-Residence experience helped her organize her thoughts more — like finding what she was trying to achieve with each photo — and be more critical of herself. She said it was also an opportunity for her to slow down and take a moment to get the shot right.

“Having the time and freedom alone to do my work is something I have no words for,” she said. “I wake up motivated and inspired and go to sleep feeling the same way I woke up just knowing I was productive.”

During her residency, Masters said she had the opportunity to feel really vulnerable and connect with herself and her craft, which she said can be scary to do alone, but she also found it empowering.

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

“You’re like, ‘Hell yeah, I do,'” she said. “I think everyone can be afraid to really feel so vulnerable and alone… My intention is to reach heaven.”

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

Masters said that during her stay last week, she had not looked at any of the photos she had taken. She decided to wait until she got home before sorting and selecting some of her favorites to share with Angel.

“I think this opportunity is really wonderful,” she said. “For (Angel) to pick one per season is a big deal because it gives hope and supports the arts.”

The masters gave advice to artists to come and stay at the Barton City location.

Courtesy photo Alecxa Masters, dressed to be the subject of her photo, sets up her camera to shoot.

“Dive in,” she said. “I took full advantage of just walking through the woods. I put on my headphones and completely immersed myself. Be alone, be vulnerable.”

She said artists who have 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 ideas, products, new 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 next to 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 interior of the Barton City Lodge is seen on October 17. The location recently became part of the Artist-in-Residence program for artists to visit and practice their craft.

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

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