17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art: “Plein Air and Beyond”

Grand Canyon, Ariz.— Grand Canyon Conservancy is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon National Park, which continues its tradition of captivating visitors and supporting artists inspired by the canyon while raising funds for an art venue at the South Rim.   

"Grand Canyon National Park has long been a source of inspiration for artists, and this extraordinary event beautifully unites the community, the park, and the power of art with the spirit of giving," said Bonnie Baker, GCC’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. 

This year’s event brings exciting new additions, expanding to showcase a diverse range of mediums. Attendees can explore basketry, metalsmithing, photography, offering a richer and more dynamic artistic experience.

From September 18th to 21st, artists will create "en plein air” (outside on location) along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, capturing its breathtaking beauty firsthand. On Saturday, September 20th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., a Collectors' Reception (ticketed event) will take place at Kolb Studio and is an opportunity to meet the artists and acquire unique pieces.  

The Exhibition and Sale will open to the public on Sunday, September 21st at historic Kolb Studio, showcasing the works of participating artists. Additionally, the Exhibition and Sale will continue at Kolb Studio and online through April 26th, 2026, providing art enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to purchase pieces inspired by Grand Canyon.  

An online gallery will feature all artwork available for purchase, bringing the beauty of Grand Canyon to art lovers worldwide, and giving them access to this unique collection. The online sales gallery will go live the week of September 22nd on our online Park Store.  

Celebration of Art is the main fundraising source for a future new art venue at Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Conservancy has officially identified a location for the new art venue in the National Park Service Headquarters building. Originally a visitors’ center and exhibit hall for the park, it is a historic Mission 66 building designed by Cecile Doty and is conveniently located at the South Rim. 

2025 Artists:  

Steve Atkinson, Prescott, AZ 
Elizabeth Black, Boulder, CO 
Philip Carlton, Fruita, CO 
John D. Cogan, Farmington, NM 
Michelle Condrat, Salt Lake City, UT 
Tom Conner, Phoenix, AZ 
Bill Cramer, Prescott, AZ 
Cody DeLong, Bonfim, Porto 
Monica Esposito-Mann, Grand Junction, CO 
Linda Glover Gooch, Mesa, AZ
Bruce Gomez, Denver, CO 
Richard Graymountain, Navajo Mountain, UT 
Tom Lockhart, Colorado Springs, CO 
Tim McDavid, Houston, TX 
James McGrew, Lake Oswego, OR 
Jose Luis Nunez, San Diego, CA 
Robin Purcell, Hingham, MA 
Matagi Sorenson, Santa Fe, NM 
Kathryn Stedham, Santa Fe, NM 
Dawn Sutherland, Flagstaff, AZ 
Paula Swain, Decatur, NE 
Priscilla Tacheney, Prescott Valley, AZ 

Event Schedule:*  

Online Auction 
August 29–September 21, 2025 
Artworks featured are original pieces, and specifically selected by each artist.  

Artist Demonstrations  
September 18–21, 2025 
Participating artists will demonstrate their craft at various locations along the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View Watchtower. There will be a special Sunrise Demonstration with all participating artists on September 20 from 6:00–10:00 a.m. between Mather Point and Bright Angel Trailhead. 

Collectors’ Reception  
September 20, 2025, 5:30–7:00 p.m. (ticketed event) at Kolb Studio  
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique works of art, mingle with the artists, and enjoy light appetizers and drinks.  

Artist Quick Draw 
September 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Kolb Studio 
Each artist will produce a piece along the South Rim between Bright Angel Trailhead and Verkamp’s Visitor Center. Artworks will be available for purchase at Kolb Studio.  

Public Grand Opening 
September 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. at Kolb Studio 
The gallery is open to the public for the first time, and all works are available for purchase. 

Exhibition and Sale   
September 21, 2025–April 26, 2026 
The entire Celebration of Art Collection will be available for viewing and purchase at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org beginning the week of September 22nd. 

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free with park admission and open to the public. All events and times are subject to change. Please visit grandcanyon.org/coa for event updates and links to all online activities. 

See also: 10-Year Anniversary of the Cultural Demonstration Program at Grand Canyon National Park