Kesler Woodward Named Denali's First Artist-In-Residence

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
07/26/02

Kesler E. Woodward, a Professor of Art, Emeritus, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is Denali National Park and Preserve’s first Artist-In-Residence.

A renowned Alaskan painter, Woodward was recruited to assist the park in establishing a permanent Artist-In-Residence program. In 1982, he was an artist-in-residence at the Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum

Professor Woodward’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries and collections. He was appointed to the Alaska State Council on the Arts by Governor Knowles in 1997 and has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Western States Arts Federation since 2000.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Professor Woodward as our first Artist-In-Residence," said Diane Chung, Deputy Park Superintendent. "His academic and administrative experience, artistic talent and obvious enthusiasm for Alaska will help us establish a permanent residency program for future artists."

The Artist-In-Residence program is a cooperative arrangement between national parks and artists. It enables established artists to reside in a park for a period of time while they create park related art. In return for their residency, artists generally donate a piece of their original artwork to the park for the enduring benefit and enjoyment of visitors.

Woodward will be residing in the historic East Fork Cabin.

For more information contact: Doug Stockdale, Public Information Officer, Denali National Park and Preserve at (907)683-9583.