We are delighted to be co-hosting a reception for this year's Medford District BLM Artist-in-Residence, Paul Atkinson.

The BLM Artist-in-Residence program offers opportunities for painters, photographers, potters, sculptors and other artists to promote deeper understanding of, and dialogue about, the significance of natural, cultural, and historic resources on public lands managed by the BLM – including the National Landscape Conservation System. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

At CSNM, Paul will be photographing the night skies for two weeks, stationed at Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. After his residency, he'll donate art to the BLM for outreach purposes.At his reception, he'll present about his work as an astrophotographer in several national parks, monuments, and other public lands.

"I am thrilled to have been selected as Artist in Residence at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, and look forward to making art under its dark night skies. Preserving and protecting our natural spaces is very important to me and is why I do what I do. This will be my first trip to Oregon, and I know it will be an adventure — and I can’t wait to see what the landscape will give me. But most of all, through my art, I hope that others may find inspiration and a renewed appreciation for Cascade-Siskiyou."

Paul's website: http://www.patkinsonphoto.com/