Artists in Residence at Big bend

Date: November 3, 2016

Big Bend National Park, in cooperation with the non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) and the Big Bend Natural History Association, welcome two artists in residence to the park this November.

Russell James Pyle, musician, was selected to be Big Bend's artist in residence for November. He began playing music at age six, and songwriting at fourteen. He plans to include musical performances for the public while songwriting in the park.

Nick Collier, sculptor and photographer, was selected to be Big Bend's first veteran artist in residence. As part of the centennial celebration, the NPAF created a first of its kind program specifically for military veterans. Collier will be scheduled for a showing of his work in late November.

Programs like Big Bend's artist in residence add value to the park experience for visitors, now and in the future, and represent the highest aspirations of the Park Service's goals for the next century. Superintendent Cindy Ott-Jones adds, "We are proud to continue the tradion of artists in residence drawing inspiration from these incredible park areas, and using their work to share these places with the world."

NPAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the National Parks of the U.S. through creating dynamic opportunities for artworks that are based in our natural and historic heritage. This project is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Big Bend Natural History Association, and other generous benefactors. All NPAF programs are made possible though the philanthropic support of donors of all sorts ranging from corporate sponsors, small businesses, and art patrons and citizen-lovers of the parks. NPAF is always seeking new partners and donors for its wide-ranging artist-in-residence programs.