Three-time Grammy nominated composer/performer/multi-instrumentalist David Arkenstone will serve as artist in residence at Mesa Verde National Park from May 11 through May 24.
This unique program invites five artists from various disciplines to participate in two-week residencies in the spring and fall each year. Arkenstone is the only composer/musician selected for 2015.
As part of his residency, Arkenstone will offer a free one-hour public concert on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum Auditorium. No advance registration is required for this free concert. The museum exhibit areas and bookstore will remain open through the concert.
Concert attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy dinner (served after 5 p.m. at the Metate Room or Far View Terrace), or to bring your own picnic meal to the Chapin Mesa picnic area.
“This residency is a very special opportunity,” said Arkenstone from his Laguna Beach home. “I’m very much looking forward to experiencing Mesa Verde in a personal way. I’m hoping to use this intense inspiration to infuse my concept of creating a long form symphonic work as a tribute to the ancient peoples of the area.”
Though Arkenstone has visited the park and surrounding area many times and performed in concert here, being an artist in residence will provide him with access to selected sites in the backcountry and the opportunity to live in the park. If you visit the park during this time, you may hear the sound of Arkenstone playing instruments as he engages in his creative process.
Celebrating the 25th year of a recording career – more than 40 albums (over 10 of them are Native-inspired), 20 Billboard hits, film and TV soundtracks and game scores – Arkenstone is passionate about taking his listeners on a journey, creating sonic tapestries that evoke every emotion.
“I envision a place where I would like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and let my imagination run free,” said Arkenstone.
Also an avid photographer, Arkenstone will find much inspiration for his music and photos. Recently, Arkenstone has been drawn to creating epic orchestral works. His “David Arkenstone’s Symphonic Adventure” is currently a popular public television special airing throughout the U.S.; the live show will tour in late 2015/16. For additional information visit www.DavidArkenstone.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @davidarkenstone
Mesa Verde National Park’s artist in residence program offers professional writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while being surrounded by the inspiring ancient architecture of the Ancestral Pueblo people and the sweeping natural landscape of the park.
This year’s artists were selected from 45 applicants by a jury consisting of a Mesa Verde National Park ranger and three professional artists. Other 2015 artists include photographer Jerry Fleury, landscape quilter Susan Madden, saddle artisan and leather painter Lisa Skyhorse, and plein air artist Milt Beens. Learn more at www.nps.gov/meve/supportyourpark/artists_in_residence.htm.