Artists have been inspired by Grand Canyon’s majestic views for millennia, going back to the first people who lived on this land. In the late 19th century, painters of the Hudson River School created vibrant scenes that became the impetus for the creation of the National Park Service. Today, the sights and sounds in national parks continue to inspire artists in residency programs across the country.
About the Program
The residency embraces an artist-focused, open-ended model that prioritizes on-site research and exploration to create exciting new work and deepen relationships between the public and Grand Canyon. Solo contemporary artists exploring concepts of conservation, cultural identity, or community through any discipline are encouraged to apply. We prioritize artists whose work and outreach programs best fit the park's interpretation and education goals of telling stories that have been excluded, hidden, unknown, untold, or under-emphasized.
Selected artists live and work at the Grand Canyon's South Rim in Arizona for up to eight weeks. In addition to free private accommodations and workspace, a modest stipend is offered to help with travel, food, and supply costs. Residents are given first-hand access to the natural beauty of Grand Canyon National Park, park leadership, staff expertise, on-site resources, archives, and our visitors. Each artist provides a minimum of at least two public programs that engage Grand Canyon’s local and worldwide community.
Important Dates
2023 Residencies:
January 21 – February 26: Mark Chen
June 8 – July 5: Annie McCone-Lopez (Part I)
July 13 – August 9: Julie Anand
September 1 – 21: Terry Jenoure
November 17 – December 15: Annie McCone-Lopez (Part II)
2024 Application Process:
May 15 – July 31: Applications Open for 2024
Aug 1 – 22: Peer Review
Aug 27 – Sept 8: Final Selection Meetings
Sept 11 – 15: Applicants Notified for 2024
Resident Spotlight
Annie McCone Lopez
After many years of living in various places from Hawaii to Guatemala, Annie has returned to Los Angeles where she currently lives and works. Annie studied under Eli Levin at his Realist Studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She acquired skills in print making and egg tempera painting before attending the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. Her main focus was printmaking and book binding along with drawing and fiber arts. At this time Annie also began exploring her Latina culture. Inspired at first by the feminine in Catholic iconography she discovered the indigenous value hidden within the images.
Annie continues to research and depict her connection to Mexican culture in her work. Her art is inspired by nature and her Mexican heritage.
Annie has many disciplines that range from book binding, printmaking, ceramics, sewing , bead and leather work, egg tempera, gouache and drawing. She’s had a successful art business that provided color consultation, faux finishing and murals to both public and private clients.
Annie has shown her work in group exhibitions and solo shows in Hawaii, California, Oregon, New Mexico and Guatemala. Her work is in private collections internationally.
She is currently working on a series, Sisters of the Fifth Movement of the Sun. Images from this series were recently juried in the New American Paintings, west coast edition #163.
During her residency, Annie will research the many ways in which the Colorado River shapes the lives of those living in the Southwest. Her research will inspire a series of paintings that reflect the spirit and stories of the sacred water source and bring the voice of water to the forefront of our consciousness.
Support this program
The Artist in Residence Program is made possible because of support and grants to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations of any amount help fund future artists, innovators, and visionaries whose work will grow the cultural and historical legacy of Grand Canyon National Park.