Photographer Drew Bedo of Rosenberg, Texas developed a strong connection to Rocky after a summer's work at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. Although legally blind, he creates fine-art images with traditional films in vintage and antique view cameras. For him, photography is more than a creative act - it is both a therapeutic affirmation, and another way of seeing. He focuses on small things and small scenes where he can touch objects and experience their textures, shapes and spatial relationships to evaluate their potential for a composition. From June 5 -18, he plans to capture the park's essence with intimate photographic expressions of light and small things in a minimalist style. Mr. Bedo's public programs will be June 8 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
Drew Bedo is one of seven artists selected out of eighty-three applicants for the summer 2011 Artist-in-Residence Program at Rocky Mountain National Park. Artists will be provided with a creative, contemplative environment in which to generate artistic works and share their works with the public. Artistic diversity, new ideas and creative uses of media were encouraged in the application process.
Artists are given two-week residencies at the William Allen White cabin from June through September. During their stay at the park, artists share their vision in two public presentations. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium from June 8 through September 17. For a specific schedule and to learn more about these artists go to: https://www.nps.gov/romo/supportyourpark/artist_in_residence_selectees_2011.htm
Artists have had a long-standing impact on the formation, expansion and direction of our country's national parks. Musicians, composers, painters, writers, sculptors and other performing artists also draw upon the multifaceted quality of parks for inspiration. All of these artists translate the national park's purpose, as a place of pleasure and preservation, into images which bring others enjoyment and a deeper understanding of the parks some may never visit. Rocky Mountain National Park's Artist-In-Residence program provides artists the opportunity to become a part of a long established tradition of artists in our national parks.
For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please contact the park Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
