Toast to The Arts & Parks

What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In this return visit on Big Blend Radio's "Toast to the Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), Lisa D. Smith catches up with stand-up comedian Ben Miller, the scientist-turned-comedian who became the first stand-up comedian ever selected as an NPAF artist in residence, at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in February 2023.

That month on the Big Island, spent learning from volcanologists, entomologists, archeologists, and local Hawaiians, became "Volcano," a science comedy hour that has toured 70+ cities internationally and is now available to watch on YouTube...

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 di...

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 creati...

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 comp...

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 interpre...

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 d...

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 t...

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...

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...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show highlights the powerful connection between art, nature, and military history through the work of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

From painters and poets to filmmakers and chefs, the NPAF’s artist residency programs welcome diverse creatives into America’s national parks, where they interpret stories that honor veterans, women in military history, and the resilience of communities shaped by service and sacrifice.

This inspiring conversation with NPAF founder Tanya Ortega explores how art serves as a bridge between military history an...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.

Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to nav...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Arts & Parks” Show features Tijuana Ricks and Anthony Pirro, who recently completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence program at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Known for her roles in Billions and Marvel’s Luke Cage, Tijuana is an acclaimed actress, writer, and director. Her partner, Anthony, brings a unique perspective as an education leader, genomics researcher, along with a background in creative production. More: https://www.tijuanaricks.com/ 

In this insightful conversation, Tijuana and Anthony share their experiences and insights from their time...

In honor of American Artists Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio revisits an archived interview with photographer William Bretzger, originally featured in 2017 as part of our ongoing coverage of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) and its unique artist-in-residence programs. Bretzger shares insights from his time at Gettysburg National Military Park, where he has been photographing for over 20 years.

In this inspiring conversation, he reflects on the immersive nature of his residency, the historical significance of Gettysburg, and his creative use of projections to blend historical figures with the present-day landscape. He also discusses balancing traditional film with...

Join us for a special episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Parks & Arts" as we celebrate American Adventures Month and American Artists Appreciation Month. We're joined by acclaimed photographer and visionary, Tanya Ortega, founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Tanya shares her passion for the deep connections between artists and national parks, highlighting how NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs are crucial for interpreting and sharing the cultural and historical significance of these treasured landscapes. We explore how artists act as storytellers, unearthing the human history intertwined with nature, and creating art that connects us...

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast features a follow-up conversation with musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation’s Fall 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Rachel discusses her new single, “Birds Follow Dry Riverbed,” a soulful piece inspired by the desert landscapes and experiences during her residency. She shares insights into her creative process, the emotional and healing power of music, and how nature—especially the desert—continues to shape her artistry. The conversation explores themes of harmony, community, and the personal connections music evokes.

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show celebrates Great Outdoors Month with Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). NPAF leads the way in establishing unique, month-long artist-in-residence programs in national parks across the country.

In this inspiring conversation, Tanya shares how art acts as a catalyst for change and preservation, and how artists help deepen the cultural and emotional value of our public lands. The discussion touches on the legacy of art in parks, community engagement, accessibility, and the importance of integrating creati...

Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounde...

In celebration of National Parks Week, we're revisiting this Big Blend Radio interview with landscape artist and soft pastelist Beth Williams, and her daughter, Hailey Williams who is a writer and poet.

The very first pair of mother and daughter artists chosen for the National Parks Arts Foundation's artist-in-residence program, they spent September 2019 immersed in their artistic and environmental endeavors, on a pristine, isolated
island at Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys.

Beth is an award-winning artist and Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America. Hailey is a Scholastic award-winning poet...

Featured for National Parks Week: We revisit this 2017 Big Blend Radio interview with classical pianist Hunter Noack who shares his experience as the inaugural artist-in-residence at Haleakalā National Park through the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From performing in volcanic landscapes to composing music inspired by nature and Māori mythology, Hunter’s residency explored the deep connection between art and wild places.

Located on Maui, Haleakalā is known for its dramatic crater, cinder cones, and lush coastal forests—an awe-inspiring backdrop for creativity. Through programs like NPAF’s artist residencies, national parks become living studios, inviting artists t...

Artist Lakin Epaloose joins Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday” Toast to The Arts & Parks” Podcast to talk about his paintings, photography, fashion design, and being the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence for Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.  

Lakin Epaloose, a painter and cultural bearer of the Zuni Tribe, works at Grand Canyon National Park in the cultural demonstration program. From 9:30am-1:30pm, on April 19, 2025, Lakin will offer a hands-on painting demonstration that follow his presentation at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Watercolor supplies will be provided. The park’s Artist in Residence p...

Celebrate Women's History Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). From musicians, poets and writers to painters and textile artists, Tanya talks about the various women NPAF artists-in-residence over the years, and you can hear their Big Blend Radio interviews in this playlist here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/women-artists-in-parks/ 

National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) is known for offering unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes Nat...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features acclaimed illustrator Andrés Vera Martínez whose artistic focus is on illustrating and writing graphic novels for middle school and young adult readers. 

Andrés is best known for his work on his wife's graphic memoir, "LIttle White Duck: A Childhood in China," and Neal Shusterman’s YA graphic novel, "Courage to Dream: Tales of in the Holocaust." Watch for his middle grade graphic novel series with Jorge Aguirre, "Monster Locker" and the adaptation of "Esperanza Rising", plus...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF).

Hear about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, and Hawai'i Volcano National Park. Plus, this year's opportunities for park destinations and artists of all genres to be part of their programming. 

NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs, and Workshops inspired by our National Parks, National Monuments, and World Heritage S...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed trumpeter Delbert Anderson, the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist-in-residence in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

A Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator, Delbert stands at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene. His work, deeply rooted in his Diné heritage, seamlessly integrates Navajo "spinning songs" of love, healing, and courtship with jazz and funk, thus marking him as a community-minded Indigenous individualist. Through his Delbert Anderson Quartet, Anderson revives the improvised sounds of the Diné circle, blending them with jazz, fun...

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed astrophotographer and photojournalist Stan Honda, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Stan Honda is an experienced photojournalist who now works with natural landscapes — usually night-time panoramas — that fuse sky and earth. Based in New York-based, he worked as a photojournalist for 34 years including Agence France-Presse (AFP) (the French news agency) where he photographed news and sports in New York City and around the U.S., including the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the aftermath; post...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. This is part two of our conversation as a follow up of her residency. Check out Part One here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/musician-rachel-mari-kimber-in-saguaro-national-park 

Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestrates, harmonises, teaches, and produces, all from the heart. She also plays cello and sings for the band Black Forest Society, and a...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features musician and composer Rachel Mari Kimber, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Rachel Mari Kimber is a musically creative artist from Wales, UK. She composes, sings, plays guitar and cello, orchestrates, harmonises, teaches, and produces, all from the heart. She also plays cello and sings for the band Black Forest Society, and also for Happy Joy Harmony. More: https://freeyourspiritheal.wixsite.com/love  

Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency pr...

In celebration of American Artists Appreciation Month and the upcoming National Park Service anniversary (Aug. 25, 1860), this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick features photographer Tanya Ortega. Hear their discussion covering the Then & Now of Art and Artists in Parks and Public Lands. 

Talking about the history of art and artists in parks, VICTORIA CHICK is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Victoria spearheaded the Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center  .
* Read her articles about artists in pa...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "A Toast to The Arts & Parks" Podcast features National Parks Arts Foundation artists-in-residence Carissa "Lucky" Garcia and Chelsea Bighorn.

Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, poet, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. Her NPAF residency was in Chaco Culture National Historical Park in Northern New Mexico. Hear her initial interview about her writing and poetry, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/poet-carrisa-garcia-goes-to-chaco/

A mixed media artist, Chelsea Bighorn’s work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Arizona writer Leah Newsom, the National Parks Arts Foundation's summer 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Leah Newsom was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and holds an MFA in creative writing from Arizona State University, where she now teaches creative writing. Her work has previously appeared/is forthcoming in "Conjunctions," "Ninth Letter," "Juked," "Passages North," and more. Her work has been supported by the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and the National Parks Arts Foundation. More at: http://www.leahnewsom.com/ 

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features mixed media artist Chelsea Bighorn, the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

Chelsea Bighorn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Her tribal affiliations are the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes from Montana and the Shoshone-Paiute from Northern Nevada. Bighorn's work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Using this process, she tells her personal history through her art. Bighorn has shown her work at the...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas (Kanaka Maoli) who returned for the fifth time as the National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. 

Recognized as Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, meaning "Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai‘i," San Nicolas is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating this art form. Through his expertise and passion, he ensures that the traditions of feather lei making continue for generations to come. San Nicolas draws inspiration directly from the landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, feeli...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation features Carissa "Lucky" Garcia, the Spring 2024 NPAF artist-in-residence in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Carissa “Lucky” Garcia is an Indigenous/Chicana writer, performing artist, community organizer, anti-oppression educator and Indigenous Justice advocate. She is a founding member of the La Resistencia publishing press and poetry collective amplifying LGBTQ+ voices of color. Carissa’s storytelling communicates ideas that focus on her experience as an Iraq War veteran, Native American culture, love, politics, and her appreciation for comic books...

Welcome to the very first episode of Big Blend Radio's NEW "Women Making History" podcast featuring a Big Blend Radio "From the Vault" podcast of our "Parks & The Arts" show featuring Tanya Ortega, an accomplished photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). Hear about the new podcast, Tanya's photography career and NPAF's unique artist-in-residence programs in national park units across the country.

Check out Tanya's editorial Q&A about her photography: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/photography-art-insider-tanya-ortega/

Listen to the Big Blend Radio Podcast Playlist of NPAF's Women Artists-in-Residence: https://soundcloud...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features artist Diana Miller, the latest National Parks Arts Foundation artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Diana lives on the island of Hawai’i near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, combining her passion for art and environmental stewardship. Hear about her art, love of the park, and her advocacy for protecting native flora and fauna.

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e8iaXSDMUqc

Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks acro...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show features Tanya Ortega, photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF), who talks about the organization's unique month-long artist residencies in locations like Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and Chaco Canyon and Fort Union in Northern New Mexico. Hear about how these artist residency opportunities are perfect for artists of all mediums, from painters and sculptors to photographers, composers, writers, musicians, and more.

NPAF is a non-profit offering unique Artist-in-Residence Programs, Museum In-Loan Programs...

Traveling musician and composer Ben Cosgrove returns to Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) to talk about his recent travels, artist residency experiences, and beautiful new album "Bearings."

Cosgrove’s new album "Bearings" represents the latest chapter in a career that to date has included solo performances in 49 states (all but Delaware), as well as artist residencies and collaborations with Acadia, Isle Royale, Glacier, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks (NPAF), White Mountain National Forest, the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Sitka Center for Art and...

Chihsaun Yang returns to Big Blend Radio's "Toast to the Parks & Arts" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) to talk about her new solo music and EP "Pearls" that was recently released as the electronic music duo ESCP with Bob Garrett.

WATCH THIS PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/xjCE1xkVuqo

Chihsuan Yang (Violin, Erhu, Piano), a native of Taiwan, began studying music at a very early age. Today, her renowned skill and eclectic versatility with the violin, erhu, and piano can be heard throughout the globe. From playing with Yo-Yo...

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) features music industry veteran Steffen Franz, founder of Independent Distribution Collective (IDC) which is celebrating 20 years of is a music marketing, distribution, and event production in San Francisco.

WATCH THIS INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OXSVvMCmtP8

IDC has produced hundreds of live events in and around the San Francisco Bay Area and has executed successful music marketing campaigns for a diverse array of independent labels and artists. IDC partnered with Illuminate...

On January 2nd, 2016, two musician's Jillian Speece and Nathaniel Hoff, The Bergamot, set out on a tour of all 50 states of America, spreading a message of unity through performing 265 shows and by inviting the curious to sign their message of unity on their station wagon known as The Unity Car.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 1st Friday "Toast to The Parks & Arts" Show with the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) features Jillian Speece and Nathaniel Hoff who talk about their journey that's showcased in their award-winning documentary "State of The Unity" that's out on digital...