Community Artist in the Parks Program

The scenery within the national parks in southeast Utah inspired the creation of the
Community Artist in the Parks program.

The program began in 2009 as a way to highlight the connection between local artists and the landscapes contained within the National Park Service’s Southeast Utah Group: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument.

The program gives visitors from across the globe an opportunity to see first-hand the results of artistic inspiration from wild nature. It provides local artists an ability to teach and demonstrate their medium and passion for creative expression.

Meet Charlotte Quigley, the 2025 Community Artist in the Parks

Charlotte Quigley has a deep well of experience with both art and national parks. A life-long watercolorist, she also works in pastels and, more recently, oil paints. She has a master’s degree in art history and experience as a youth arts teacher, arts council director, and member of the Gallery Moab cooperative.

After living at several national parks in New Mexico, Quigley moved to Moab 18 years ago. “I feel so fortunate to be in such a beautiful place, where there are so many amazing subjects so close at hand.” About her upcoming tenure as Community Artist in the Parks, Quigley says, “I’m excited to have this opportunity to paint in the parks and encourage others in their creative endeavors. This is a chance to really focus on our beautiful landscape and share its unique characteristics with others.”

Quigley will create original work within the parks for a minimum of 24 hours per month, April through October, and share her inspiration and creative process with visitors. Her works will be sold in the Canyonlands Natural History Association bookstores at Arches and Canyonlands national parks during her tenure.