Artist-in-Residence at Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim

North Rim, AZ - The National Park Service announces the selection of Velida Palmer of Tulsa, Oklahoma as the 2003 Artist-in-Residence. Ms. Palmer, a member of Women Artists of the West, is accomplished in a variety of media: oil, pen-and-ink, and watercolor. Her participation in the Artist-in-Residence program continues the legacy of art in our national parks. Ms. Palmer will be in residence September 21 through October 10, 2003.

The broad vistas and overwhelming landscapes of the American West have inspired generations of artists. Their idyllic paintings, rough and tumble novels, sepia prints, and soaring musical scores prompted politicians to establish the national parks as an enduring heritage. The nation and the National Park system are changing. So too has a new generation of artists emerged with contemporary techniques and bold new mediums. It is the task of these new artists to help frame our invaluable national heritage in enduring words and images for those who visit now, those who will come later and for those who will know the parks only in this artistic legacy.

Few parks have inspired as much wonder as the Grand Canyon, a world-renowned symbol of he American dreams of exploration and endless possibilities. Ms. Palmer will experience a unique opportunity to live and work in this unparalleled setting. Come and share in the beauty of her art. She will present two programs - a demonstration on the back porch of the Lodge on September 27 at 11:00 a.m., and an evening presentation on October 4 at 8:00 p.m. in the Lodge auditorium. She will also present several informal discussions and demonstrations on her work on the back porch of the Lodge. Join her to experience Grand Canyon through the eyes of an artist.

For information on next year's Artist-in-Residence application process, please inquire at the North Rim Visitor Center.

Advance overnight lodging reservations for North Rim facilities may be made by contacting Xanterra reservations in Denver at (303) 297-2757, and specifying the North Rim. Advance reservations for the North Rim Campground must be made through Spherix, and can be made up to five months in advance by calling 1(800) 365-2267. Callers from outside of the United States must call (301) 722-1257.