History of Rocky Mountain National Park's Artist-In-Residence Program

NPS Photo

A Brief History of Rocky's Artist-In-Residence Program

Rocky Mountain National Park launched it's first Artist-In-Residence program during the summer of 1984. This program is one of the oldest and longest-running Artist-In-Residence programs in the National Park Service. Since 1984, RMNP has hosted over 200 individuals from around the United States and from across the world who have helped enrich Rocky Mountain National Park by sharing their unique artistic visions for the benefit of current and future generations of park visitors.

Selected artists serve in a two-week residency that typically takes place from late May to mid-October. RMNP's Artists-In-Residence stay at the William Allen White cabin, which is a rustic wooden cabin located near Moraine Park. From 1912 to 1943, this cabin was the summer retreat of William Allen White, a nationally- recognized journalist and editor of the Emporia Gazette (Kansas). White’s spirit lives on with the contemporary artists who live and work in his cabin today.

Five to six artists are selected to participate in RMNP's Artist-in-Residence each year. During their residency, selected artists will work to gather inspiration and create art in the medium of their choice. The park's Artists-in-Residence also are requied to provide up to two public programs where they will share their art with members of the general public.

The park's Artist-In-Residence program ran annually from 1984 - 2017. During the summer seasons of 2018-2023, the program was temporarily on pause. During summer 2024, staff with Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy were thrilled to bring back this impactful program.

Interested in learning more about the role of art in our national parks? Visit the National Park Service's Arts in the Parks webpage.