Grand Canyon National Park, AZ | September 11, 2021-January 17, 2022

A Grand Celebration

The 13th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art features 25 talented artists in a newly modified show.

The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art returns for its 13th year with a lot of excitement, as many are eager to return to the national park after a long absence. Put on by the Grand Canyon Conservancy, this special event not only provides a unique experience for visitors, but proceeds go toward programming, along with the hopes of establishing a permanent art venue at the canyon.

A view of Kolb Studio on the South Rim.

While the event did take place last year, there were frustrating restrictions and many unknowns, with some artists having to drop out. “Last year wasn’t that bad, we did well with sales,” says Kathy Duley, Grand Canyon of Art Coordinator. “[However], we hope to get more people in attendance this time around and have an even better year. We invited all the same artists back from last year out of fairness and to give them a better chance.” This includes 25 artists such as Elizabeth Black, Bill Cramer, Susie Hyer and Cody DeLong.

Michelle Condrat, The Perfect Storm, oil, 24 x 36”

This year will offer a modified live event, to control how many people come in at one time, and there will be no reception. In addition, there will be virtual opportunities such as an online auction from September 3 through September 18, where collectors can bid from the comfort of their living rooms. Also, the online sales gallery will go live the week of September 20.

The major draw for Celebration is the plein air event, where the artists paint along the South Rim of the canyon and will then sell their finished pieces in Kolb Studio, the canyon’s gallery space. “It’s nice because it’s a little over a week and gives you a lot of time to get work done and study the canyon,” says participating artist Michelle Condrat. “It will also be really nice to be back this year and see artists and coordinators. I haven’t seen other artists for over a year. Last year, I kept seeing pictures of the Grand Canyon and was so sad. It’s a place I go to year after year, so it was weird to not be there.”

Bill Cramer, On the Horizon, oil on canvas, 36 x 36”

Artists are also asked to bring one piece of canyon work from their studios to sell alongside their plein air work and their silent auction piece. For Condrat, viewers will see a remarkable scene in her studio piece The Perfect Storm. “I painted this from a photo I took a couple years ago at Mather Point,” Condrat explains. “It was in the evening and I could see that it was storming off in the distance. The sun just came out shining through the virga and was making all these beautiful colors. It was the perfect moment.”

Bruce Gomez, A Canyon of February Storm, pastel, 29 x 39”

Along with Condrat, Duley notes, “I’m really just excited to see all of our artists return. I’m always excited to see what they each bring to the table and their new vision. The canyon is a challenging place to paint because the light and shadows are constantly changing, and it’s so big and vast. It’s hard to zone in. The more artists paint up here, the more refined their work becomes and it’s fun to watch them evolve and grow.”

Linda Glover Gooch, Age to Age, oil on linen, 15 x 22”

In addition to the week-long plein air event, there will also be an Artist Paint Out on September 17, where ticket purchasers are able to engage with the artists as they paint in plein air and even purchase works while in progress. The first viewing of exhibited pieces will be on September 18, which will also be ticketed with time slots. During the week of the event, awards for best of show, people’s choice and artist choice will be announced.

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
September 11, 2021-January 17, 2022