Photography, Inclusion and the Power of National Parks

Getting to Know Tanya Ortega: Art, Parks & Creative Legacy

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), discussing the ongoing NPAF Retrospective project that celebrates a decade of artist residencies, creative partnerships, and inspiring stories from national parks across America. In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on the impact artists have had on parks and surrounding communities over the past ten years, sharing how the residency program has grown to include painters, photographers, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists. She discusses the importance of making the arts accessible, fostering creative opportunities for artists of all ages, and building meaningful connections between people and public lands. The episode also highlights Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the unique opportunities offered through NPAF artist residencies, while exploring the role of art in preserving cultural heritage, inspiring environmental stewardship, and helping people experience national parks in new and meaningful ways. Enjoy a special “Getting to Know Tanya Ortega” segment, where she shares personal insights about her favorite parks, travel experiences, artistic inspirations, and the passion that continues to drive the National Parks Arts Foundation forward. Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation and its artist residency programs at: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ [https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/]  Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ [https://parks-arts.podbean.com/]

Cracked Nut Creatives: Multimedia Art & Music at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features members of Cracked Nut Creatives, current National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Blending classical music, multimedia storytelling, and environmental awareness, the artists explore the powerful relationship between music, nature, and place. Through their residency experience, they share how volcanic landscapes, natural soundscapes, and cultural heritage influence artistic interpretation and creative expression. The conversation highlights how engaging with nature can deepen artistic perspective, expand sensory awareness, and foster empathy—an essential element in all art forms. From composing and performing music inspired by the environment to creating immersive multimedia projects, these artists demonstrate how national parks serve as living studios for innovation and storytelling. This episode also underscores the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage, and how artist residencies play a vital role in connecting audiences to the landscapes that inspire creative work. FEATURED ARTISTS  CRACKED NUT CREATIVES * Carlin Ma (Pianist & Multimedia Artist) Website: https://carlinmamedia.com/ [https://carlinmamedia.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlinma [https://www.instagram.com/carlinma]_  * Joshua Nakazawa (Cellist / Composer) Website: https://manamusichawaii.com/ [https://manamusichawaii.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamusichawaii/ [https://www.instagram.com/manamusichawaii/]  * Sam Paris & Carlin Ma (Cracked Nut Creatives) Website: https://www.crackednutcreatives.com/ [https://www.crackednutcreatives.com/]  🎬 Glacial Ice Cave Music Video: https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04? [https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04] si=qq_O3iKRSNDlQotP NPAF, PODCAST & MAGAZINE * National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ [https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/]  * “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Podcast: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ [https://parks-arts.podbean.com/]  * "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/]

Art, Heritage & Wilderness: Exploring Chaco Canyon and Aztec Ruins

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), who shares insights into the organization’s NPAF Retrospective digital magazine while exploring the cultural and natural significance of Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument in Northern New Mexico. In this engaging conversation, Tanya reflects on her personal experiences in these remarkable Southwestern landscapes, discussing their deep cultural heritage, ancestral connections, and the powerful role they play in shaping artistic inspiration. The discussion highlights how artists help preserve and interpret the stories of our national parks, bringing history, environment, and human experience to life through creative expression. The episode also touches on the realities of navigating remote park environments, including disaster preparedness, understanding geography, and the importance of awareness when exploring wilderness areas. From stories of getting lost in nature to moments of spiritual connection, Tanya emphasizes how being present in these landscapes can deepen our understanding of both the natural world and ourselves. As part of the ongoing Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective series, this episode celebrates the intersection of art, heritage, and conservation, and the essential role artists play in preserving the legacy of America’s public lands. LINKS & RESOURCES * Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ [https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/]  * NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/]  * Listen to more “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ [https://parks-arts.podbean.com/]

Photography, Inclusion and the Power of National Parks

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features travel photographer Houston Vandergriff and his mother Katie Vandergriff, who recently served as artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Houston is a passionate travel photographer who has visited all 50 U.S. states, over 30 countries, and countless destinations around the world. Houston also happens to have Down syndrome, and through his photography he shares a powerful message of inclusion, compassion, and possibility. In this inspiring conversation, Houston and Katie discuss their journey applying for artist residencies, their experiences exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and their advocacy for greater accessibility in national parks and travel destinations. They talk about how photography allows Houston to communicate his unique perspective on the world, and how travel and art can break down barriers while encouraging people to think beyond limitations. The discussion also explores the importance of inclusive outdoor experiences, accessible trails, and how creative storytelling can help change perceptions about disability. Through their work, Houston and Katie hope to inspire others to explore the world, embrace new adventures, and recognize that every life has value and every person has worth. Houston’s photography reflects his personal mission: to help make the world a better place through art, travel, and compassion. Houston and Katie’s story highlights how creativity, perseverance, and community support can open doors to meaningful opportunities—both in national parks and far beyond. LEARN MORE: - Houston’s photography and travel stories: https://www.downsandtowns.com/ [https://www.downsandtowns.com/]  - National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ [https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/]  - NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/]  - Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ [https://parks-arts.podbean.com/]

Celebrating Art and Artists in America’s Southwest Desert Parks

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show celebrates the 93rd anniversaries of Death Valley National Park and Saguaro National Park, while spotlighting the impact of artist residencies through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). As part of the first installment of the Big Blend Radio NPAF "Artists in Parks" Retrospective, Tanya Ortega (NPAF Founder) and Lisa D. Smith (Big Blend Radio) explore how artists-in-residence draw inspiration from desert landscapes, dark skies, and extreme environments, often transforming their original creative concepts through immersive experiences in the parks. The conversation reflects on the historical significance of Death Valley and Saguaro, emphasizing the role of art in preserving cultural heritage and deepening public appreciation for national parks. The episode highlights photographers, textile artists, and musicians whose work demonstrates the powerful connection between art and nature, while also underscoring the importance of community engagement and continued support for artist residency programs. This discussion sets the stage for the ongoing NPAF Retrospective series, celebrating artists, parks, and the enduring legacy of creativity in America’s public lands. FEATURED ARTISTS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Death Valley National Park  * 2019: Sarah Weeden * 2019: Harun Mehmedinovic (Front Cover Photo Feature) * 2020: Cody Brothers Saguaro National Park * 2024: Chelsea Bighorn – Textile / Fiber Art / Sculpture * 2024 & 2025: Rachel Mari Kimber – Singer-Songwriter / Musician LINKS & RESOURCES: - Big Blend Radio's ARTISTS IN PARKS Retrospective Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/#p=1 [https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/#p=1]  - Subscribe on Substack (Free): https://theartsinparks.substack.com/  [https://theartsinparks.substack.com/]  - National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ [https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/] This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Toast to The Arts," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork