Grand Canyon Artist-in-Residence Program Grand Canyon Conservancy's Artist in Residence program began in 2021 and hosts individual artists from around the world who wish to engage with Grand Canyon National Park and its people during a four-to-eight-week residency at the South Rim in Arizona. The program is designed to support artists with a well-developed body of work that engages contemporary themes, especially those tied to conservation, cultural identity, and community. Previous Artists-in-Residence have included: Heather L. Johnson Erin Reynolds Daniele Genadry Elijah Jamal Asani Leah Aegerter Grand Canyon Astronomer-in-Residence Program The Astronomer-in-Residence Program at Grand Canyon National Park began in 2021 and offers astronomers, both amateur and professional; educators, scientists, visual and performing artists, and writers, the opportunity to practice and share their discipline under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. Through artwork and educational outreach, the Astronomer-in-Residence inspires visitors to see the values of dark night skies, spreads awareness about the threats of light pollution, and explores society’s complex relationships with natural darkness. Previous Astronomers-in-Residence have included: Dr. Tyler Nordgren Dean Regas Imma Barrera Lauren Camp Dr. Daniel Fleisch Projects Completed Projects Grand Canyon Conservancy has helped to fund and execute a variety of projects within the park. Recent projects include: Bright Angel Trailhead The Bright Angel Trail is one of the oldest and most popular trails at Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters contributed to restore the plaza and add visitor amenities. The new trailhead opened May 8, 2013 and now features: Meeting plaza with new shade structures, benches, and a water filling station Reconstruction of important stone retaining walls along the trailhead and new landscaping with native plants Permanent restrooms with flushing toilets A new paved parking lot Wheelchair-accessible routes along the Rim Trail between Hermits Rest shuttle bus stop and the Kolb Studio Kolb Studio renovation Grand Canyon Conservancy received a $100,000 grant from American Express to help fund the restoration of the former home and photography studio of Ellsworth and Emery Kolb, early Grand Canyon entrepreneurs. The project rectified structural and safety issues; addressing drainage problems, repairing and replacing retaining walls, stabilizing entryways, and replacing exterior features and structural beams The studio was originally constructed in 1904 and was rededicated May 16, 2014 Historic Kolb Studio is open year-round and contains an exhibit venue, bookstore, and information center operated by Grand Canyon Conservancy. Mather Point Amphitheatre Grand Canyon