Bandelier Artist in Residence Shawn Skabelund. Courtesy/NPSBNM News:
From early through mid- December, Bandelier National monument will be hosting this year’s third Artist in Residence, Shawn Skabelund.
Skabelund was born in central Utah, received his BFA degree at Utah State University in Logan, attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, and taught drawing and installation art at Northern Arizona University. In 1998 he settled in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Today he is well established in his field, working in drawing, painting, sculpture, and installations. His works have been displayed in more than 30 one-person shows all across the country, including one at Grand Canyon National Park.
In addition, he has curated shows of others’ works, including this year’s “Fires of Change” at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff. Many of his works can be seen on his website.
While at Bandelier, Skabelund plans to concentrate on drawing. Wildfires have been an influence on him throughout his life, and he was especially attracted to the large piles of debris left in Frijoles Canyon by the floods resulting from the Las Conchas Fire.
He wanted to have time to do pencil drawings capturing their size and the combinations of natural materials brought together by the force of the water. He also plans to work with other natural images as well.
Skabelund will be offering drawing walks for the public 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 13. The sessions are free, aside from the regular park entrance fee. Numbers are limited, so participants need to call the Visitor Center at 505.672.3861 x 517 for details and to sign up. Minimum age is 14.
Weather permitting, the groups will work outside, and participants need to bring snacks, dress in lots of layers for changeable winter conditions, and bring a folding chair, pencil or charcoal, and drawing paper and drawing board at least 18″ x 24″. An indoor space will be available in case the day is too wintry.
For more information on Bandelier National Monument, contact the Visitor Center at 505.672.3861, the website, or check the park Facebook or Twitter at BandelierNPS.
