DIAMOND, Mo. – Mark your calendars for Art in the Park/Earth Day, the annual special event at George Washington Carver National Monument, held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Presented in conjunction with National Park Week, Art in the Park/Earth Day is a free event showcasing the artwork of George Washington Carver, and is an opportunity to celebrate Earth Day.
George Washington Carver was inspired by the natural environment and gained a sense of serenity and personal rejuvenation from his artistic work. Plein air artists will set up along the trail, capturing the beauty of the woodlands, prairie, and streams. Artists will conduct art workshops throughout the day and visitors are encouraged to participate. A “budding artists” area will feature natural dyes, rock painting, flower prints, and other art activities for children to earn a special Junior Ranger badge!
At 11:00 a.m., featured artist/guest speaker Linda Jarvis Teeter will give an artist talk. Teeter is a photographer/artist and owner of Urban Art Gallery in downtown Joplin, Missouri. She is also responsible for initiating Joplin’s Third Thursday Artwalk and is a founding member of the Joplin Regional Artists Coalition. Teeter is very active the local arts community.
At 12:00 p.m., a park ranger will share the program, “Casting A Legacy-An Outdoor Art Walk,” exploring commemorative artwork along the Carver trail. Throughout the event, “Expressions of the Soul” will display images of George Washington Carver’s art. The Earth Day celebration will include a special film viewing at 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to make a craft item using upcycled materials.
Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver – scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.
