News Release

Ozark Riverways celebrates Earth Day with artwork inspired by the rivers

The riverways-inspired artwork entitled “Ozarks, Rushing Beauty” measures 4’ x 4’ and will be displayed in the Van Buren Visitor Information Center.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 22, 2021

Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

VAN BUREN, MO – Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, artist Louise Phillips has created a piece of art inspired by Ozark National Scenic Riverways and has donated it to the park for display.

A teacher by profession, with emphasis in elementary & early childhood education, Louise Phillips has become an advocate for our nation’s forests and the arts. Using her own professional talents as a painter and writer, she has created multi-arts programs, plays, books and arts celebrations from coast to coast. Most are commissioned by organizations that want to involve children in creating, developing, performing, and appreciating the arts. Ms. Phillips is passionate about bringing children and the earth together.

Ms. Phillips has created artwork inspired by other national parks, including Niobrara National Scenic River, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park, just to name a few. In addition, she created a musical presentation entitled “All Earth’s Children” for the Centennial celebration of the National Park Service in 2016. More information about her work and paintings can be viewed at www.louisephillips.net.

“We are tremendously honored and appreciative that Ms. Phillips chose Ozark National Scenic Riverways to be the subject of one of her paintings,” said Superintendent Jason Lott. “Her artistic work is nationally recognized and serves to inspire future generations to conserve and appreciate earth’s natural wonders, of which the Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the most special.”

The painting, which measures approximately four feet tall by four feet wide, was created using acrylic paints on canvas and is entitled “Ozarks, Rushing Beauty.”

The painting will be installed for display in the Van Buren Visitor Information Center at 404 Watercress Drive. For more information, contact park headquarters at [phone], visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

-NPS-