News Release
Courtesy - Hunter Goan photo
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Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer
Contact: Park Information Office, (970) 586-1206
Hunter Goan is Rocky Mountain National Park’s current Artists-in-Residence. Goan is a Diné (Navajo) landscape painter and arborist with a background in environmental research."Growing up in Virginia, the surrounding forests kept me inspired while I was away from my culture. I come from a long line of Navajo artists, and to this day, my family still cares for and draws inspiration from the land. Throughout my education, I found art and science impossible to separate. Combined with my culture, they go hand in hand while I paint. Each painting represents a moment in time, capturing the essence of nature through a lens of reverence and respect."
During his residency, Hunter Goan will host two special programs.
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, join us at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of RMNP at 1 p.m. for the program "The Art of Trees - An Indigenous Perspective." Indigenous peoples have actively shaped North American forests for thousands of years, creating a continent-wide tapestry that we still care for to this day. In this lecture, Goan will share information about the trees within this tapestry, their lives, their role in the environment, and become familiar with the forests in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will also discuss the ancient practices that shaped our forests and understand how time and the elements sculpt individual trees into living works of art.
This is a lecture-based program that will be 1 hour to 1 hour, 30 minutes in duration. This program is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to attend.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, join us at Fall River Visitor Center on the east side of RMNP anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the program "Art Unleashed: How to Capture a Tree." During this program, Goan will share information about the trees that call Rocky Mountain National Park home through art!
Learn how to paint different tree species while learning about their unique characteristics, ecological roles, and history. This is an interactive, drop-in program. Participants of all ages and experience levels are invited to stay as long as they like. It is recommended to stay 15 to 30 minutes to enjoy this activity. All art supplies will be provided and no prior knowledge or experience is needed to participate.
Thank you to Rocky Mountain Conservancy for their generous support of the Artist-in-Residence program! To learn more and to see the full summer 2025 Artist-in-Residence program schedule, visit at https://go.nps.gov/romo/air
Since the late 1800s, there has been a special connection between our national parks and the arts. Artists like George Catlin, Thomas Cole, Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, and more played a key role in helping to draw attention to the beauty and wonders found in many national parks.
Recognizing the important role that art has played in the history of our national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park was among the first national parks to offer an Artist-In-Residence Program. Since 1984, Rocky Mountain National Park has hosted over 200 artists through this program. They have included authors, composers, jewelry makers, musicians, painters, photographers, poets, quilters, sculptors, textile artists, and more.
Last updated: June 13, 2025