18th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art: “Earth-Mapping”
Onsite Events September 25-27, 2026 | Exhibition and Sale at Kolb Studio through March 31, 2027
Grand Canyon, Ariz.— Grand Canyon Conservancy is thrilled to announce the 18th 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.
“For nearly two decades, Celebration of Art has highlighted the profound connection between Grand Canyon and the artists it inspires,” said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “This event not only showcases extraordinary work but also deepens our understanding of this remarkable place and ensures its stories continue to inspire future generations.”
Celebration of Art showcases a curated selection of artists whose works are inspired by the canyon. This year’s exhibition theme, Earth-Mapping, explores sensory, ecological, and cartographic interpretations of Grand Canyon National Park through plein air, abstraction, photography, design, and conceptual landscape works, inviting viewers to see the canyon in new ways.
“Earth-Mapping examines the role of artists in capturing moments that become records of environmental and ecological change,” said CeCe Cole, curator of Celebration of Art. “These works extend beyond representation, offering scientific, historical, and cultural insight for generations to come.”
From September 21st to 25th, artists begin arriving with the opportunity to create onsite along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, capturing its breathtaking beauty firsthand. On Saturday, September 26th, 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 27th at historic Kolb Studio, showcasing the works of participating artists. Additionally, the Exhibition and Sale will continue at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org through March 31st, 2027, providing art enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to purchase pieces inspired by Grand Canyon.
Celebration of Art is the main fundraising source for a future Art Venue and Exhibition Space at Grand Canyon National Park. After years of anticipation, an existing building at the South Rim has been identified as the future location 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.
2026 Artists:
José Bermúdez (b. Havana, Cuba 1922-d. Phoenix, AZ 1998)
Elizabeth Black, Boulder, CO
John D. Cogan, Farmington, NM
Michelle Condrat, Salt Lake City, UT
Bill Cramer, Prescott, AZ
Cody DeLong, Bonfim, Porto, Portugal
Monica Esposito, Grand Junction, CO
Linda Glover Gooch, Mesa, AZ
Estephania González, Tempe, AZ
Tim McDavid, Houston, TX
James McGrew, Lake Oswego, OR
Daniella Napolitano, Phoenix, AZ
Natalya Nez, Ramah, NM
Jose Luis Nunez, San Diego, CA
Matagi Sorenson, Santa Fe, NM
Dawn Sutherland, Tucson, AZ
Paula Swain, Decatur, NE
Priscilla Tacheney, Prescott Valley, AZ
Event Schedule:*
Artists at Work
September 21–25, 2026
Participating artists will demonstrate their craft at various locations along the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village.
Collectors’ Reception
September 26, 2026, 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.
Public Grand Opening
September 27, 2026, 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 27, 2026–March 31, 2027
The entire Celebration of Art Collection will be available for viewing and purchase at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org beginning Sunday, September 27, 2026.
*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.