Art & Multimedia Activities in the Park

C&O Canal Trust Monthly Photo Contest

Hey shutterbugs, share your photography! The C&O Canal Trust hosts a monthly Facebook photo contest encouraging visitors to submit their photography inspired by the Canal. Entries will be posted on the Canal Trust Facebook page each month for voting. The picture that receives the most “Likes” during that month will be featured on their Facebook cover photo and will appear in the monthly email newsletter, and print newsletter.

White and yellow flower; Daisy Asteraceae. — Daisy, Asteraceae
NPS Photo / Hollie Lynch

Mindfulness Drawing Activity

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.

Building mural of the Great Wave in Georgetown. — Mural in Georgetown that pays homage to the famous Japanese print by Katsushika Hokusai “Great Wave off Kanagawa."
NPS and Georgetown BID Photo / Raisa Barrera

Georgetown Public Art Self-guided Tour

Explore the beautiful public art on display in the Georgetown, Washington, DC, neighborhood of the C&O Canal with this self-guided walking tour! Washington DC is well-known for the building murals, art scene, and towering architecture. Find the art installation using the address. Learn about each piece, its meaning, and start a conversation about what it means to you.

Student drawing of red flowers with large green leaves. — Student drawing of Red Trillium flowers.
NPS Photo / New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Art and Preservation

Combine your artisitic ability and love for National Parks with the C&O Canal Preservation challenge. Learn about historic preservation then engage your creative side. Stop and think about places you've been that are important to you. Is it a local pond, your favorite tree to sit under, or your favorite hiking trail? Draw, sculpt, paint, or photograph your favorite place you'd like to see for generations to come!

Painting of a stream and spruce trees. — Acrylic painting by artist Constance Baltuck created for Kobuk Valley National Park through the Artist-In-Residence program.
NPS Photo / Noatak National Preserve

NPS Artists-in-Residence

Are you known as the "creative one" out of your friends and family? Consider becoming an Artist-in-Residence for the National Parks! Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century. These programs provide various types of artists the opportunities to create work in varied natural and cultural settings sharing their artwork with the public. Learn about the program, see the digital collections, and more.