Visual artist Meghan Dragon served as the winter 2025 Artist-in-Residence at Great Basin National Park, filling a role as an artist from the Nevada/Utah area. With her work being displayed around Nevada metro areas like Reno, Meghan's art is a staple of various Nevada communities.
When selected to be the artist, Meghan had the following to say:
"I believe that every moment, every breath, offers a meaningful chance to pause and connect with our surroundings. My paintings and drawings translate the rich patterns and textures of nature into pieces that depict combinations of flora and fauna from specific habitats. Through the art I create during this residency, I hope to encourage visitors to appreciate and respect the stunning wildlife and environment of Great Basin National Park."
Meghan had an eventful few weeks during the fairly warm February of her residency. She performed a number of public programs at local schools, at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, and for the community in a park classroom.
Following her residency, Meghan wanted people to know how this residency impacted her and her artistry:
“It was truly an honor to be the winter artist-in-residence at Great Basin National Park. The vast skies, quiet solitude of winter, and beautiful wildlife deepened my appreciation for the intricate connections in nature and inspired both my current and future work. Great Basin is a refuge from the busyness of city life, a place where one can soak in the quiet beauty of the night sky while listening to the call of a great horned owl or breathe in the crisp air while walking through still forests along icy creeks.
My artistic process is rooted in observation and exploration, and during my residency I hiked almost every day. I spent time birdwatching, stargazing and painting at the visitor center. Being in this unique environment encouraged me to slow down and translate my experiences into my art, capturing the patterns and textures that make this place so special.
I also witnessed firsthand the invaluable role of park rangers and how much they contribute to both visitor experiences and the protection of this unique and fragile ecosystem. Thanks to my time at the park, I plan to create more informed paintings, highlighting threatened species as a call to action and depicting recovered species as a testament to the essential nature of conservation work.
Before arriving, I expected the stunning landscape and wildlife to be the most significant takeaway from my experience. And while they certainly were awe-inspiring and influenced my designs, it was the people who had the greatest impact on me and my work. The community of Baker and the park rangers welcomed me, supported me, and deepened my connection to this incredible place. My greatest hope is that my art will inspire people to advocate for the protection of national parks and the people who dedicate their lives to preserving them.”
