Art in the Park
Long before national parks were established—and long before the concept of “artist-in-residence” existed, the mesas and canyons of Mesa Verde were home to extraordinary artistic expression. For thousands of years, Indigenous people have created in this place: shaping stone, painting pottery, weaving with yucca, and building dwellings that are architectural works of art. The AIR Program continues this deep-rooted tradition of creativity, honoring the ancestral Pueblo people whose legacy remains embedded in the landscape.
Artists have long played a vital role in shaping public awareness of national parks. In the 1800s, painters and illustrators helped introduce the American West to wider audiences, inspiring support for the protection of places like Mesa Verde. Today, contemporary artists continue this legacy, using diverse media and modern perspectives to interpret the layers of meaning held within national parks. At Mesa Verde, this includes recognizing that the park is not just a scenic wonder, but a homeland still visited and cared for by Indigenous descendants.
Artist-in-Residence (AIR)
Mesa Verde’s Artist-in-Residence Program provides mid-career and professional artists the opportunity to live and work in a space where creativity has always thrived. Writers, composers, visual and performing artists are invited to explore their craft while surrounded by the enduring presence of ancient architecture, cultural significance, and natural beauty. Artists are provided lodging within the park for a designated period of time, offering immersion in a landscape shaped by millennia of human experience.
The AIR Program is managed by Mesa Verde Association (MVA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Through the program, artists create works that foster deeper understanding and appreciation of national parks. Each residency adds to a growing legacy—one that honors cultural heritage, inspires stewardship, and encourages visitors to connect with the past, present, and future of this extraordinary landscape.
For more information about the Artist-in-Residence Program, please use this link to email the Mesa Verde Association.
For further information about the Artist-in-Residence Program, please use this link to email Mesa Verde Museum Association staff.
