Artists have been part of national parks since the 1860s and 70s, when painters, photographers and writers played a vital role in documenting the spectacular landscapes of the West and convincing Congress to preserve certain places as a public trust.
Today, 29 national parks around the country participate in an Artist-In-Residence program for painters, sculptors, writers, poets, photographers, composers, performers and craft artists to live and work on site in the park. Usually, artists are expected to donate a piece of art or offer a public presentation in exchange for a place to live and work in the park for two weeks or more.
The photo above shows John B. Fairbanks (1855-1940) painting in Zion National Park in Utah.
1 comment:
I just finished an Artist in Residence in Acadia National Park, the Schoodic District. It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it to anyone.
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