News Release

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcomes Six Artists-in-Residence for 2026

Claire Stovall, one of the park’s 2025 Artists-in-Residence, led a visitor engagement program where participants created their own firefly-inspired textile art.

NPS photo

News Release Date: June 17, 2026

Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is pleased to welcome this year’s lineup of Artists-in-Residence, whose creativity and passion will help visitors experience the Smokies in new and inspiring ways. Each month from June through November, a new artist will join us and lead hands-on programs which invite visitors to explore the park through art shaped by its landscapes, history and natural wonders. 

These free, monthly programs offer opportunities to connect with both the Smokies and the artists who find inspiration here. In addition to on-site programs at park visitor centers, each artist will also offer a free lunchtime presentation at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts auditorium in Gatlinburg, Tenn. All are welcome to attend, learn about each artist’s creative process and discover the unique mediums they bring to the residency. 

This year’s Artists‑in‑Residence bring a wide range of creative backgrounds to the Smokies, with Saturday visitor engagement programs offered monthly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at either Sugarlands or Oconaluftee Visitor Center. 

• June: Lauren Cason, Santa Fe, N.M. 
  Dulcimerist, gouache painter, teacher and creative technologist 
  Program dates: June 20 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | June 27 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 

• July: Tanya Qu, Durham, N.C. 
  Abstract painter, punk musician and graphic designer 
  Program dates: July 18 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | July 25 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 

• August: Amber Sparkle, St. Petersburg, Fla. 
  Acrylic painter, muralist and arts event planner 
  Program dates: Aug. 22 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | Aug. 29 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 

• September: Robert Palmerton, Saline, Mich. 
  Pastel and oil painter specializing in plein air landscapes 
  Program dates: Sept. 19 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | Sept. 26 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 

• October: Jenna Marie Kesgen, Asheville, N.C. 
  Oil and acrylic painter, muralist and environmental educator 
  Program dates: Oct. 17 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | Oct. 24 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 

• November: Christopher “Chappy” Chaput, Nashville, Tenn. 
  Composer, music director and multimedia artist 
  Program dates: Nov. 21 at Sugarlands Visitor Center | Nov. 28 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 
   

Follow the park’s social media channels and website for artist-led activities throughout the season. 

Interested in becoming an Artist-in-Residence? Submissions for next year’s program will be accepted from Nov. 1 through March 7, 2027. Learn more on our Artist-in-Residence Program webpage. 

The Artist-in-Residence Program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is made possible through the generous support of Friends of the Smokies.