Article
Stewardship in Art

Let's Think

NPS Photo / Noatak National Preserve
Saving these Scenic Views
Some may not know the impact art had on the National Park Service. The works from landscape painters like Thomas Moran and others helped inspire a movement and motivate national leaders to protect and preserve these vast, delicate, and beautiful places for all Americans.Art is one way park visitors can connect and help conserve our natural world. After seeing a close-up photo of a brown bear cub, a sculpture inspired by the colors of coral reefs, or a painting of a snowy historic lockhouse in the winter – art can evoke emotions, memories, or even inspire action.
In this activity, we will discover how art can motivate stewardship, flex our creative muscles, and get outdoors to find a new scenic view that inspires you. No drawing skills necessary!

Imagine

NPS Photo
Your Favorite Outdoor Places
- Artists in the past and still today use their skills – painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, poetry, music – to not only capture a moment in time but to inspire appreciation across the National Park Service.
- Close your eyes. Think about some of your favorite spaces outdoors. Is it the lake near your house? Or the gardens near your school? It can even be the spot under the tree in your backyard.
- What makes this place special to you? Does it remind you of a fun memory? Are there animals or plants that makes this space unique? What do you feel when you visit your favorite outdoor space? What do you see?
- Imagine if you needed to inspire a community or convince a local goverment leader to preserve this special place for generations to come...

Creative Challenge

NPS Photo
- Let's pretend! You are the newest Artist-in-Residence at the C&O Canal and are charged with the task of creating a new art piece to inspire a new appreciation for the historic canal.
- Find some inspiration in the park. There's tons of places to choose from! You can explore any of 75 locks or 184 mileposts throughout the C&O Canal.
- Choose your artistic medium. Do you like photography? Or is your thing watercolor painting? Maybe oil on cavas? Make sure to bring materials that you can easily pack in and pack out with you!
- Share your works! Proud of your work? We are too. The C&O Canal loves to see art inspired by scenic views throughout the park. If you would like to share your masterpiece connect with us on our social media accounts. Use the hashtag #CanalKidsVJR and join the #VirtualJuniorRanger (VJR) conversation!

Outdoor Fun
Get ready for some outdoor fun! There are a plethora of ways to combine your interests of art and the outdoors at the C&O Canal. Complete 1 (or more!) outdoor adventures and discover the connections between art in stewardship. Connect with us on our social media accounts using the hashtag #CanalKidsVJR to share how you explore art in stewardship. Begin by clicking one of the activity titles, then follow the links for specific directions. |
Do you enjoy art but aren't exactly an artist? This activity that doesn't require drawing skills, just your imagination and drawing supplies. Do this activity anywhere on the towpath or in your own backyard! Combine relaxation, focused creativity, and a beautiful scenic view with the Mindfulness Drawing Activity. Click here for details and instructions

Learn More
Can't get enough art in stewardship? We are happy to spark your curiosity! Luckily we have just the resources for you. Checkout the following links to deeper explore how the National Park Service and Department of Interior engage with art and stewardship. |
Last updated: April 22, 2021