Well known by artists as the "Gift of Time", the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program was established in 1967 to provide gifted studio based visual artists with the unique opportunity to concentrate on their work in a supportive, collegial environment for a whole year. This "gift of time" allow artists to work without distraction in an effort to break new ground and focus on individual goals.

The Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program serves as a contemporary counterpoint to the traditional arts of the Southwest, reinforces the Program's interest in strengthening the vitality of art in New Mexico and has been a catalyst in broadening community understanding of contemporary art.

Roswell (pop. 48,000) is a high plains community (3,560 ft. elevation) and the economic hub of rural southeastern New Mexico. It is roughly 200 miles from the nearest large cities, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The economy is based on agriculture, ranching, oil and gas, light manufacturing and tourism.

To date over 200 artists have participated in the program, coming from the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Past participants include such noted and diverse artists as Stuart Arends, James McGarrell, Robert Colescott, David Reed, and Alison Saar.