Grand Canyon Artist in Residence
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 Residencies:
April 8 – May 31: Carlos Estevez
June 10 – July 5: Janelle VanderKelen
July 12 – September 4: Duane Maktima
October 1 – 31: Anne Finger
November 11 – December 15: Hai-Wen Lin
Resident Spotlight
Annie McCone Lopez
Annie researches and depicts 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. 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.
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.
Join us on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. MST for a Public Exhibition at Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters (20 South Entrance Road). Annie will be exhibiting an eight-foot hand-painted Mayan codex that represents her take on the water crisis in the Southwest. During her time in residence over the summer, McCone-Lopez also worked with Grand Canyon Summer School to create codices based on the same theme. The student codices will be displayed alongside Annie’s. There will be an Artist Talk at 2:30 p.m. and light appetizers will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
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.