Artists in Residence
NPS/Patrick Myers Artists interpret the diverse elements of mountains, dunes, and water - all at Great Sand Dunes NPP. Photo of Kathy Hodge, the park's first resident artist in 2009. The Artist in Residence program offers professional artists an opportunity to live and work in Great Sand Dunes NPP, benefitting the artist and those who will enjoy their unique vision for generations to come. The national park provides housing for selected artists. Housing options include an RV site with hookups or an apartment unit in the park staff residence area. The specific RV site, apartment or duplex unit will be determined based on housing availability. Applications for 2012 were due by January 31, 2012. The 2012 Artist in Residence Program Brochure (.pdf file, 1.1 mb) gives 2012 program details and application procedures. The Volunteer Application for Natural Resource Agencies OF301_06_07 (.pdf file, 559 kb) is required for applicants. This form can be faxed or mailed separately if you email your other materials. For more information, please send an email or call 719-378-6343. 
Lorie Setton Stars and Sleep Lorie Setton has been selected as one of two artists in residence for 2012; she will be in residence September 28-October 11. Lorie plans to do a program in a local school during her residency. 
Robert Dash Robert Dash captures a wide variety of images, from oceans to deserts, and panoramas to intimate abstractions. Robert Dash has been selected as one of two artists in residence for 2012; he will be in residence from August 20-September 2. Robert plans to lead a special night photography program on August 31. 
NPS/Patrick Myers Joseph Palmerio painting at Great Sand Dunes Painter Joseph Palmerio was Artist in Residence in September 2011. Palmerio relates: "Although I am a representational painter, I am grabbed initially by a landscape's abstract shapes...this allows for a strong composition on which to present the subtle colors of nature." During his residency, the artist gave two plein air oil painting demonstrations, as well as a number of informal demonstrations of watercolor painting in the Visitor Center. 
Last Light, Dune Grasses Photographer Jim Sidinger was an Artist in Residence in fall 2011. Jim's photography is about communication through images which use simple lines and forms in symmetric (occasionally asymmetric) relationships. He feels that the viewer's experiences are improved and intensified when there is a minimal amount of incidental clutter to distract from the essence of what he is trying to communicate. Jim Sidinger led a photography workshop during his residency. 
Angular Etchings in Autumn Painter and photographer Jean Sidinger was an Artist in Residence during fall 2011. Jean's work focuses on abstract shapes and patterns found in the natural world. During her residency, she led a free workshop on "The Art of Seeing". 
Courtesy Sheigla Hartman Painter Sheigla Hartman was Artist in Residence in April 2011. She is known nationally for her landscape paintings created with sweeping, abstract forms. Hartman led a sketching workshop during her residency. 
NPS/Patrick Myers This narrative collage showing circus beetles and kangaroo rats was created by Angela Mestas during her residency in 2010. Angela Mestas was Artist in Residence in October 2010. Mestas combines outdoor leadership experiences in San Luis Valley's national wildlife refuges with an original vision for seeing and representing wildlife in fresh new ways. "I have an incredibly strong relationship with the land here," says Mestas. "That familiarity with color, aridity, and life will help support art that shows the character that defines the dunes. I want to create artwork that is sensitive to the diversity of the ecosystem in hopes of generating an emotional and intellectual effect that stimulates visually...not only asking questions about ecological relationships but defining them." She led a sketching workshop as well as classroom programs in a local school during her residency. 
Courtesy Allan McConnell Aspens, Afternoon Allan McConnell and his wife Frances Dodd (below) were artists in residence together April 16-30, 2010. "The responsibility of black and white photographic artist is to present the image in a new and unique manner," says McConnell. "Choosing compositions, amplifying, retarding, enhancing, and abstracting are all part of the photographic art." McConnell led a photography workshop during his residency. 
Courtesy Frances Dodd Lavender Evening Painter Frances Dodd was in residence April 2010 along with her husband Allan McConnell (above). Dodd says of her work, "I've learned to be less concerned about the outcome of the painting and now look for the discovery that might take place. I love the process of the painting, the joy of pushing paint or pastel around, developing lush color relationships and dramatic values. What initially attracts me to a subject are its shapes and values. I try to get beyond painting 'things' and concentrate on 'painting the painting'." During her residency, Dodd led a painting workshop. 
Ceramic pieces by Sally Gierke, inspired by shapes of ripples and dunes. Potter and Muralist Sally Gierke was Artist in Residence in fall 2009. She led a clay workshop at the park and did programs at a local school. 
Medano Creek, painting by Kathy Hodge, 2009 In September 2009, Kathy Hodge was the first Artist in Residence at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. She led two sketching workshops during her residency. |
Did You Know?
Medano Creek, flowing at the base of Great Sand Dunes, is one of the few and best places in the world to experience "surge flow", where creek water comes in rhythmic waves. More...