Art in the Park

In conjunction with National Park Week, George Washington Carver National Monument is hosting the third annual Art in the Park Day. Held on Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free event celebrates the artwork of George Washington Carver.

George Washington Carver was inspired by the natural environment and gained a sense of serenity and personal rejuvenation from his artistic work. Like Carver, artists will be set up across the park grounds, drawing inspiration from nature. Hands-on workshops will be provided throughout the day and all visitors are encouraged to participate. Workshops will feature techniques in acrylics, oils, pastels, clay, pencil, natural dyes and watercolors.

The event will also feature Wil Clay, a professional storyteller and illustrator of Toledo, Ohio.

Clay will present a storytelling session and two workshops on portrait drawing. Visitors will have an opportunity to visit with Clay about his original paintings of George Washington Carver that were recently published in a new book, titled, "A Man For All Seasons: The Life of George Washington Carver."

An unveiling ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the visitor center. Artist C.J. Kindy, Eikins, Ark., will present her awarding winning Carver mural, "The Spirit of Giving."

Kindy is the winner of the 2008 Thomas Hart Benton Festival's mural competition.

A special exhibit, "Expressions of the Soul," will feature artistic creations by George Washington Carver, including some of his original artwork on display for this special day.

The monument is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Hwy V, then south 1/2 mile on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at (417) 325-4151 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.