For The Cortez Journal

Landscape artist J. Milton (Milt) Beens will serve as Mesa Verde National Park artist in residence from Aug. 31 through Sept. 13, 2015. Milt will offer a free plein air painting demonstration for the public from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10 on the back porch of the chief ranger’s office, next door to the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum in Mesa Verde National Park. Milt will share his approach and techniques for painting on location, overlooking Spruce Tree House bathed in evening light. No reservations are necessary for this drop-in program.

J. Milton Beens, a Durango resident, has painted for more than 50 years, drawing inspiration from the Southwestern landscape both in his pottery and his landscape paintings. In recent years Milt has focused on oil painting; he has received numerous awards and honors. The goal of Milt’s residency is to expand his plein air painting skills using the rich and unique park environment as his subject. Milt holds a Master’s degree from the University of Montana and has taught in various venues during his career. His works are currently shown at Artisans of Mancos in Mancos and Taylor Raymond Gallery in Durango. Learn more about Milt at www.beenspottery.com .

Mesa Verde National Park’s artist in residence program offers professional writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while being surrounded by the inspiring ancient architecture of the Ancestral Pueblo people and the sweeping natural landscape of the park. This year’s Artists in Residence were selected from 45 applicants by a jury consisting of a Mesa Verde National Park ranger and three professional artists. The other MVNP Artists in Residence this fall are Lisa Skyhorse, saddle artisan and leather painter, and Marilyn Kroeker, musician. Learn more at www.nps.gov/meve/supportyourpark/artists_in_residence.htm.

The AIR program is managed by the nonprofit Mesa Verde Museum Association (MVMA), the park’s innovative educational partner that inspires life-long stewardship of the Mesa Verde region’s cultural and natural heritage. Through MVMA’s operation of park bookstores, free or low-cost seminars, workshops, and special programs, visitors of all ages gain a new, behind-the-scenes understanding of Mesa Verde. Proceeds from all association programs support Mesa Verde National Park. Learn more at www.mesaverde.org or by calling 970-529-4445.