Watercolorist Joyce Heuman, of Grand Junction, will be artist in residence at Mesa Verde National Park from Oct. 3-16. During her residency, she will explore the park through drawing and painting. Her goal as an artist is to raise awareness of the natural world and to connect people with nature through art.

The focus of her work is the geology, history and animals that are protected in our National Parks. Joyce says of her time as the artist in residence at Mesa Verde, “It is a time to develop my personal relationship to the ruins, animals, landscape, colors and textures of this beautiful country. I truly believe the value for personal growth is limitless at the park.” No stranger to our area, Joyce worked for seven-years as graphic designer with the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center near Cortez. she was introduced to archaeological sites through work-related visits to the park. She writes, “I visited often and gained a rich knowledge about the settlements. The palette of earth colors in rocks, skies and soils … have their own particular beauty as do the people who lived there and animals living there still. The history, stories told, and life are rich indeed.”

Heuman will lead a drawing workshop on Friday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. At this workshop, she will guide participants on a hike to find the perfect place to observe and listen. She invites you to reflect on your Mesa Verde experience through in situ drawing. Participants need only bring an interest in connecting to the landscape through drawing and looking closely at the subject. Joyce will provide them with a drawing demonstration and supply all materials. She hopes the experience increases a connection to the park during this centennial season, and opens a personal creative channel and appreciation for the natural world for years to come.

The workshop is open to everyone; no prior experience is required. Be sure to bring hat, water and a snack if needed. Materials will be provided, but if you have your own sketchbook you may wish to bring it along.

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 64 applicants by a jury consisting of Mesa Verde National Park staff and local artists and residents

Other 2016 Artists in Residence include photographer Gregory Spaid, landscape photographer Kit Frost and landscape quilter Susan Madden.

The AIR program is managed by the nonprofit Mesa Verde Museum Association, the park’s educational partner that inspires lifelong stewardship of the Mesa Verde region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Learn more at www.mesaverde.org or by calling 970-529- 4445.