The history of our national parks is often entwined with the history of great American artists. As a matter of fact, you could make a case that the establishment of the first national park - Yellowstone - occurred in large part due to the works of painter Thomas Moran. In the late 1800s, Americans residing east of the Mississippi River had little or no exposure to the grandeur of the American West, and artists often conveyed their only impression. Since then, art in national parks is a continuing tradition as artists are inspired year after year by the wonders of national parks to recreate the landscape in many types of media. In recognition of the contributions that artists make to the culture of national parks, the National Park Service offers artist-in-residence programs in 30 parks.
In addition to the NPS sponsored programs, many friends' groups operate art programs in the national parks. Yosemite National Park is home to the Yosemite Art & Education Center, an ongoing and continually evolving art program created by a partnership of NPS, DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite and the Yosemite Conservancy. Operated by the Yosemite Conservancy, the YEAC hosts some 30 artists every year from spring to fall in Yosemite Valley to teach art classes to park visitors. For a suggested donation of $5.00, park visitors may attend an art class from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM each week from Tuesday to Saturday. Each week a different artist conducts classes ranging from watercolor painting to sumi-e ink drawing. Art supplies are sold at the Center and the classes are aimed at beginners with little or no art experience. Children over ten years of age may attend accompanied by an adult.
In addition to the YEAC, the Yosemite Conservancy also offers more intensive art classes each year through Yosemite Outdoor Adventures. This fall, artist Chris Van Winkle will conduct "Yosemite With An Artist's Eye: Quick Sketching in Watercolors in Wawona", a three day class that takes place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on October 1st through the 3rd. Artist Andie Thrams will conduct "Watercolors in the Wild", a three day class in Yosemite Valley that takes place October 8th through the 10th. Both class prices include park admission and free camping and more information is available from YC Registrar Holly at 209-379-2646. Other art classes can be found at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley, which offers photography workshops for aspiring photographic artists year round in Yosemite National Park. If you would like to participate as an artist teacher in Yosemite, contact YEAC Coordinator Aline at 209-372-1442. Contact Yosemite Renaissance for information concerning the official artist-in-residence program partnership with NPS.
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