Youth Artist-in-Residence Program

Youth Artist Marianne painting a mountain on canvas.

NPS / 2020

The Youth Artist-in-Residence (YAIR) Program at Klondike Gold Rush NHP launched in 2019 following expressed interest from that summer’s In My Backyard youth intern cohort. Park staff asked what activities youth interns enjoyed most during their In My Backyard summer and there was an overwhelming response: art! YAIR is tailored to individual youth artist’s preferred expression. It is a program for visual artists, writers, actors, musicians, and other creators!

Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century when famed Hudson River School painters captured the majestic views of our nation’s western parks. Today, national parks host over 50 Artist-in-Residency Programs!

Youth Artists are expected to:

• Produce at least one piece of original artwork

• Write a biography and artist statement to share with their artwork

• Document their artist process to share with the public

• Attend weekly check-ins with their park team

• Clearly and respectfully communicate and collaborate with park team

Through collaboration with National Park Service staff and independent project design, youth artists (ages 14-22) create original content showcased in Klondike’s visitor center, youth programming, social media, and other online platforms. This is a paid opportunity through park non-profit partner Discover Your Northwest. The YAIR Program is flexible with school schedules, with youth receiving stipends and school credit as compensation.

 

Get Involved

Are you interested in the Youth Artist-in-Residence Program? Email us for more information!

 

Youth Artist Khushi's collage explores the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush on Seattle.

NPS / Khushi, YAIR 2025 Cohort

Youth Artist Emilio painting a mural at a community event.

NPS / 2023

Youth Artist Muskaan's art explores the contrast between the natural world and industrial city.

NPS / Muskaan, YAIR 2025 Cohort

The 2024 cohort's collage that explores eight different aspects of what community means to them.

NPS / Youth Artist-in-Residence Cohort 2024

The 2024 youth artists painting their canvases about community.

NPS / 2024

The 2024 youth artists outside the Seattle Art Museum after a fun visit!

NPS / 2024

Youth Artist Rosie's painting highlights the importance of both Seattle culture and environment.

NPS / Rosie, YAIR 2025 Cohort

Youth Artist Weitong painting their canvas about community.

NPS / 2024

 

Previous Cohort Creations

2025 Cohort 🖌️

In 2025, the internship offered youth artists from the Seattle area, all former In My Backyard and YAIR interns, a chance to grow as visual artists while learning about history, and the role of storytelling in public spaces.

This year’s program was shaped by feedback from The Bronze Chapter, whose members volunteered to review park exhibits and narratives to see what stories were missing or could be expanded on. The Bronze Chapter volunteers emphasized the importance of lending more attention to the stories that are often left out, particularly environmental effects of the Klondike Gold Rush on Seattle. With this in mind, our youth cohort focused on learning about and representing these stories through art.

To help guide their work, youth collaborated with National Park Service staff to gain historical insight and inspiration for their artwork. Park staff, including the park’s Lead Artist-in-Residence and Community Engagement Specialist, mentored the youth artists on interviewing techniques and how to use what they learned to create visual art.

The final result was original art pieces primarily created using collage or acrylic mediums. These artworks help park visitors engage with the deeper, more complex history of the gold rush and its lasting effects on Seattle and its people. This program not only gave youth a platform to express their creativity, but also encouraged them to use art as a way to educate, connect, and share powerful stories with the public.

The park would like to especially thank NPS Historian Chris Johnson, who provided extensive knowledge of the Klondike Gold Rush and its impact on Seattle to youth artists...

2024 Cohort 🎨

In 2024, the Youth Artist-in-Residence program brought together a group of young artists to create a collaborative mural based on eight aspects of community chosen by the artists, including family, music, food, art, and shared values. Over the course of four weeks, participants visited various local art museums to gain inspiration and explore these themes. Each artist created their own canvas representing the community aspect of their choice and finally combined them through design coordination to create one cohesive 2D art piece.

2023 Cohort 🖼️

In 2023, the Youth Artist-in-Residence Program had the opportunity to work with Emilio Gonzalez. Emilio’s project was developed in collaboration with Duwamish Tribal Councilman Ken Workman. This project's outcome played a key role in shaping the current program model. Through original works created with spray paint, acrylics, and paint markers, Emilio used his semi-realistic cartoon art style to provide a personal interpretation of cultural values and stories connected to the land, paying homage toward those who have called the Seattle area home since time immemorial.

2020 Cohort 🖍️

From the previous summer's In My Backyard cohort a temporary exhibit at Klondike called, A Place at the Park was created by youth interns. The youth shared what they would like to experience in their ideal national park. From LEGO models of their dream park’s visitor center to painted landscapes on canvas, an exhibit was designed, full of ideas to provoke what national parks could be through a youth perspective.

From that inspiring In My Backyard cohort, two participants were eager to keep the artistic momentum going. These youth artists each created a powerful piece that explored the theme of belonging in our shared public lands. Their artwork was showcased on digital platforms as well as handouts at the park visitor center.