Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event Update: Reflecting on 8 Years of Art in Our Public Lands

For eight years, the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event brought talented artists from across the country to capture the breathtaking landscapes of western Colorado. With towering rock formations of Colorado National Monument and the sweeping canyon vistas of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, artists have gathered to bring these iconic places to life on their canvases, creating a lasting tribute to the beauty of our public lands.

Throughout each year’s event, visitors have the unique opportunity to watch these painters work in real time. Witnessing firsthand the magic of plein air painting—the act of painting outdoors. Each brushstroke capturing the changing light, dramatic contrasts, and rich colors of the region. Finished works offering fresh perspectives on the landscapes many of us cherish.

At the end of the week, an exhibit was held at Carlson’s Tasting Room, where attendees had the opportunity to meet the artists, view their ongoing work, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Grand Junction. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the culmination of a week filled with creativity and connection. Exhibit attendees purchasing artwork, supported both artist and public lands. Proceeds from art sales support important initiatives within Colorado National Monument to ensure the landscapes that inspired these paintings remain protected for future generations. Read more about the 2024 Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event.

A New Chapter for the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event

After much discussion, we are shifting the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event to an every-other-year format, ensuring we can bring an even more exciting and engaging event back in 2026.

Event organizer John Lintott shared his thoughts on the transition:

“Thank you all for your commitment and participation in the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event. I have enjoyed organizing this event for the last eight years, but as many of you know, I have taken the leap into painting full-time. At this point, my commitment to this event remains the same as it has always been, and currently, discussions for the future of this event are settling on having it be every other year instead of an annual event. This will allow for more time in between shows to plan and to generate interest in the exhibition among new patrons. We hope you all have an incredibly successful 2025, and we hope to see you in 2026!

– John Lintott, Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Event Organizer

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to the many artists who made this world-class event possible. Your dedication, creativity, and passion brought incredible artwork to life. It also helped raise funds for education, historic preservation, and scientific research at Colorado National Monument.

A special thank you to John Lintott for creating and leading such a meaningful event, for all of the artists who participated over the years, and to Christine Gearhart and the incredible volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make each year a success. Your efforts have built something truly special for our community, for the artists, and for the monument itself.

Art and the Monument: A Lasting Connection

At CNMA, we believe art is a powerful way to connect with the Colorado National Monument. Whether through painting, poetry, music, or visual arts, creative expression allows for experience and appreciation this landscape and ecosystem in deeply personal ways.

Looking to the future, we encourage you to keep an eye out for an upcoming CNMA Community Artist in the Park program. Additionally, we are interested in hosting more art-focused Walks and Talks. Interested in leading an art-related program? Want to learn more or get involved in another way? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out via email to Johanna van Waveren, johannavwaveren@coloradonma.org.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. We look forward to celebrating art and the landscape we love with you in 2026!