Arts Program

Kes Woodward

Artist-in-Residence Kesler Woodward sketches at the creek next to the East Fork Cabin.

Artists have had a major impact on the creation and development of America's national parks from the beginning of the national park movement. Similar to Thomas Moran’s contribution to the creation of America’s first national park, the painter Belmore Browne was a strong advocate for the establishment of Mt. McKinley National Park, now known as Denali National Park, in 1917. Since then artists and writers have continued to contribute to the celebration and preservation of Alaska’s public lands.

Denali National Park has one of the premier artist-in-residence programs in the U.S. park system. Over the years, many artists have supported the park and worked within its landscape to create powerful works that have merit not only as beautiful objects but also as important tools for interpreting the park's natural history and complex ecosystems.

Alaska Geographic supports arts programs within Alaska’s public lands. From financial support, to creating publications and organizing arts-related events, we help to further develop the arts and public lands connection here in the North.


There are many exciting arts-related projects and events throughout Alaska including:

Alaska Geographic's Art Field Courses
The Denali Artist-in-Residence Program

History of the Artist-in-Residence Program

Artist-in-Residence Application Information
History of Denali's Artists
Denali Artist-in-Residence Online Gallery



Questions or comments specific to the Denali Arts Program can be sent to:

Tim Rains
National Park Service Media Specialist
Timothy_Rains@nps.gov

(907) 683-6435

Questions or comments regarding Alaska Geographic's involvement in arts programs within Alaska's public lands can be directed to our Anchorage office at:
info@alaskageographic.org
(907) 274-8440