Artist-in-Residence – Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument (September 2016)
“I am truly grateful to be selected as the Artist-In-Residence for the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument for September 2016. It’s my goal to promote the natural beauty of the Organs and to share awareness to preserve its historical value, so that generations from now the Organs will still be as beautiful as today because of the part we can play in helping to preserving it.”
I was selected as an Artist-in-Residence for the Friends of the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument for September 2016. The program highlights the importance of public lands through artistic exploration and public interaction to increase the understanding of the monumental land. My residency focused on creating artwork that reflects the monument’s distinct ecological and beautiful landscape, fostering appreciation through visual storytelling.
During my residency, I went on many hikes individually and then guided hikes with the BLM and of course captured many photos of the lands! As a result of my residency, I created paintings of various sizes done in oil and mixed media of landscapes highlighting different parts of the monument and flowers located within the monument. I also captured photographs of the landscape. The goal of my art is to show the beauty of the monument and share awareness to preserve the monument’s historical value, so that generations from now the monument will still be as beautiful as today because of the part we can play in helping to preserving it.
As part of the residency, I hosted a public outreach event. I organized and led a community paint-along event designed to invite participants of all ages with beginner skill levels to engage directly with the landscape. Together, we created artworks inspired by the colors, textures, and spirit of the monument — an experience that encouraged connection between people and place through shared creativity.
I also painted at the visitor’s center and chatted with visitors coming to see the monument!
Artists are requested to donate an artwork to the Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument art collection to use for promotional and educational content.
Aguirre Springs was painted plein air using oil paints at the Aguirre Springs picnic area and donated to their collection.
The residency served as a catalyst for a body of work that continues to evolve. I created numerous paintings and photographs that have since been exhibited in regional galleries and public spaces. These exhibitions not only showcased the unique beauty of the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks but also sparked conversations around land conservation, ecology, and cultural heritage. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to give artist talks and participate in public events, where I share insights from the residency and encourage others to connect with and protect public lands.
