Toast to The Arts & Parks

Gettysburg: Art, History & America's Stories

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), in a fascinating conversation about Gettysburg National Military Park, its enduring artistic legacy, and the vital role artists play in preserving America's history.
As part of the ongoing Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective, Tanya explores how artist residencies help interpret the stories, landscapes, and emotions that make Gettysburg one of America's most significant historic places. From the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting and inspiring memorials to innovative virtual reality experiences and contemporary artistic interpretations, the discussion highlights how art keeps history alive for new generations.
The conversation also delves into Gettysburg's Civil War legacy, the Gettysburg Address, the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and the power of public lands to connect us with our nation's shared history. Along the way, Tanya shares stories about the Klingel House, personal reflections on Gettysburg, and why artists continue to play an essential role in helping us understand the past while inspiring future generations.
This episode is part of the Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective, celebrating ten years of conversations with National Parks Arts Foundation artists-in-residence and the remarkable places that continue to inspire creativity across America's public lands.
🏛️ Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg National Military Park:https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm 
🎨 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
📖 Explore the "Artists in Parks" Digital Publication:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ 
🎙️ Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 

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/ 
Listen to more Toast to The Parks & Arts episodes: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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlinma_ 
* Joshua Nakazawa (Cellist / Composer)Website: https://manamusichawaii.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamusichawaii/ 
* Sam Paris & Carlin Ma (Cracked Nut Creatives)Website: https://www.crackednutcreatives.com/ 
🎬 Glacial Ice Cave Music Video: https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04? si=qq_O3iKRSNDlQotP
NPAF, PODCAST & MAGAZINE* National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
* “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Podcast:https://parks-arts.podbean.com/ 
* "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: 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/ * NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ * Listen to more “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: 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/ 
- National Parks Arts Foundation and their artist residency programs in parks across the country: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
- NEW "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/ 
- Listen to more Big Blend Radio “Toast to The Parks & Arts” episodes: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 EPISODEDeath 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 - Subscribe on Substack (Free): https://theartsinparks.substack.com/  - National Parks Arts Foundation: 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

Art, Parks & Legacy: The NPAF Retrospective with Tanya Ortega

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 joins us to discuss Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication—a year-long celebration spotlighting 10 years of artist interviews connecting art, national parks, and public lands.
The Big Blend Radio NPAF Retrospective (2016–2026) celebrates a decade of conversations with NPAF artists-in-residence while also honoring major milestones, including the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, the 110th anniversaries of Haleakalā National Park and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and the role of national parks and public lands in the upcoming America 250 celebration.
This living digital publication and accompanying podcast series will unfold throughout 2026 with:• First Friday conversations with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega• Interviews with current NPAF artists-in-residence• Monthly retrospective features highlighting past artists, parks, regions, travel, and art history
Tanya shares insights into NPAF’s origins, the powerful impact artists have on local communities and conservation efforts, and the diverse creative voices—from painters and poets to musicians and filmmakers—who bring new perspectives to national parks. The conversation also explores cultural heritage, ancient roots, and the unique experiences artists encounter in remote parks, including those in Hawaiʻi.
📘 Subscribe to the Big Blend Arts Substack + NPAF Social Media  to follow the NPAF Retrospective throughout 2026: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/NatlParksArts https://www.instagram.com/nationalparksarts/ 
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation:https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 
Artist pictured at the easel: Alice Leese 

Dancer and Choreographer Artis Olds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features Artis Olds, acclaimed dancer, choreographer, arts educator, and the November 2025 National Parks Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Artis—whose dynamic career includes touring globally with Step Afrika! and the iconic Broadway and international productions of STOMP—shares the deep cultural roots of stepping and gumboot dance, exploring how these rhythmic traditions serve as powerful forms of communication, storytelling, and celebration.
He reflects on his personal journey from corporate America into professional dance, highlighting the transformative power of movement in building confidence, resilience, and community among youth. The conversation dives into the importance of arts education, the healing and connective energy of performance, and the value of creating space for creativity without pressure. Through thoughtful insights and lived experience, Artis illuminates how dance reflects history, honors culture, and strengthens our shared humanity.
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 
 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel" and "A Toast to The Arts" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork