For over a century, the National Park Service (NPS) has nurtured creativity across its parks, monuments, preserves, and historical sites through 50 artist-in-residence programs nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, the program has invited thousands of writers, photographers, painters, musicians, and more to draw inspiration from the rich natural and cultural landscapes of the National Park System. By weaving together elements of nature, history, and culture, these artists transform how we experience and interpret these iconic sites—offering fresh perspectives that inspire both visitors and staff alike to see the environment in new and profound ways.
What is an artist residency?
The artist (or writer) in residence is not something exclusive to National Parks. Origins of the practice can be traced back to the 1500s in Europe and exist today everywhere from museums to ranches to hotels and galleries. In a modern setting, an artist residency offers a unique opportunity for artists to step away from the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in a fresh, inspiring environment. Hosted by organizations that understand the importance of creative freedom, residencies provide the time and space for artists to develop their craft, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of their work without the usual constraints. It’s a chance to explore, create, and grow in a setting that fosters innovation and artistic evolution.
National Parks Artist Residencies
NPS residencies are unique in that they present the artist with an opportunity to use their medium to connect visitors with the nature around them in different ways. The NPS describes its Artist in Residence programs as follows:
Artist-in-Residence (AIR) programs offer tremendous opportunities for engagement between parks, artists, and park visitors. Art and artists in our parks are important to understanding our collective history—providing lenses and pathways through which we can see and learn about our landscapes, promote a stewardship ethic, and be effective in inspiring dialogue about important societal challenges and how we understand and see others and ourselves.
What does an Artist in Residence do?
The image of an artist painting the natural landscape en plain air is likely the first thing that comes to mind when learning about the art in the National Parks. But the art in the parks encompasses so much more than landscape painting. For example:
In 2017, an Artist in Residence at the Badlands National Park composed the audio drama Look Under Your Feet, the Past is There, available here, at the NPS website.
Writer Marybeth Holleman composed four essays following her 2012 residency at Denali National Park.
Poet Diana Woodcock composed a series of poems featuring her residency at the Everglades in 2007.
Kelly Collette, a comedian, writer, and painter, became the first stand-up comic to participate in the robust artist-in-residence program at Acadia National Park in 2022.
Jennifer Alexander, former artist in residence at Capitol Reef National Park in 2022, captured this incredible likeness of a collared lizard using thousands of tiny beads.
Okay, but why?
Artists in residence are not just passive observers of the natural world; they are active participants in the dialogue between humanity and the environment. By immersing themselves in the sweeping vistas of Yellowstone, the red-rock majesty of Arches, or the dense forests of Great Smoky Mountains, these artists transform landscapes into narratives, colors into emotions, and sounds into melodies. Their work becomes a bridge between the tangible beauty of the parks and the intangible feelings they evoke—a way to articulate the ineffable wonder of standing beneath a starlit sky or watching sunlight filter through ancient trees.
The impact of these residencies extends far beyond the artists themselves. Visitors to the parks often encounter these creators in action—sketching at the edge of a canyon, composing music inspired by birdsong, or sharing stories around a campfire. These moments of connection invite park-goers to experience the landscape with fresh eyes, heightening their own sense of awe and curiosity. An artist’s interpretation of a place can unlock emotions and memories that words alone might fail to capture, deepening our bond with the natural world.
Moreover, the legacy of these programs often reaches future generations. Art created during a residency is frequently displayed in visitor centers, online galleries, and traveling exhibitions, ensuring that the artist's perspective becomes part of the park's enduring story. This work not only documents the parks' beauty but also serves as a call to action—reminding us of the fragility of these spaces and the importance of preserving them for those who come after us.
In an era marked by environmental challenges, the role of art in fostering a stewardship ethic is more critical than ever. Through their work, artists in residence encourage us to see the natural world not as a backdrop to our lives but as a vibrant, living entity that demands our care and respect. Whether through a watercolor painting of a sunset or a poem about the shifting sands of a desert, art has the power to ignite a deeper emotional connection to the environment—one that motivates us to protect what we hold dear.
The National Parks Artist in Residence programs are a testament to the enduring relationship between art and nature. They remind us that creativity, like the landscapes themselves, is a vital part of the human experience—one that enriches our understanding of the world and inspires us to imagine a future in harmony with it. In every brushstroke, stanza, and melody, we find not just the parks but ourselves, reflected back with clarity and grace.
Where can I see more?
The NPS website keeps a catalog of many of the works created by their artists in residence in an online catalog. You can find those works grouped by media, here.
Have you ever experienced the work of an artist in residence, either at a National Park or elsewhere? How did you feel about it?