Art Workshops in Yosemite Valley, like this course with a view of El Capitan, inspire visitors of all levels and ages. Credit: Tsungwei Moo.
Yosemite Conservancy Offers Cultural Programs for All Ages
Yosemite National Park, May 16, 2016 – Theater performances marking the National Park Service’s Centennial and art workshops inspiring creations of fun-filled days in Yosemite National Park are part of a memorable line-up of cultural programs in 2016 offered byYosemite Conservancy.
“The theater performances and art workshops celebrate the park’s incomparable scenery, wildlife and people,” said Yosemite Conservancy President Frank Dean. “These are fun, educational and unique ways to experience the park.” Dean said proceeds from the programs go to efforts by Yosemite Conservancy to preserve and protect the park.
Join Lee Stetson as John Muir for a walk through the past with one of Yosemite’s iconic figures — in two different shows this year at the Yosemite Valley Theater. Credit: Kenny Karst
The Yosemite Valley Theater features live performances, talks and films that bring alive the park’s history and little-known stories. This year, Actor Lee Stetson celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service as he embodies the father of our national parks, John Muir. Other shows involve re-living rescue missions with park rangers, seeing Yosemite through a climber’s eyes, embracing nature through whimsical art, music and games, and learning about the cast of characters who have helped shape this national treasure, such as Galen Clark and Yosemite’s Buffalo Soldiers.
During the day, Yosemite Valley is the outdoor studio for Yosemite Art Center programs that give visitors of all levels and ages, including children and families, the chance to paint Half Dome, capture wildflowers on paper, or learn a new, artistic way of looking at the park’s wonders. Acclaimed artists and artisans teach workshops in Yosemite Conservancy art workshops. A variety of mediums are used — such as watercolor, acrylic, pastel, brush and ink, collage and charcoal — to capture impressions of Yosemite, and nurture the artist within.
Art workshops run now through October 29, 2016 and are held Monday through Saturday starting at 9:45 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. at the Yosemite Art Center, located near the Village Store in Yosemite Valley. Registration is $10 per person. Bring supplies or buy them at the center. Advance sign-up is recommended by calling 209-372-4207 or at www.yosemiteconservancy.org.
Yosemite Valley Theater performances and programs are at 7 p.m. at the Yosemite Valley Theater behind the Valley Visitors Center on most nights. A performance schedule is at www.yosemiteconservancy.org. Tickets are $10 for adults and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available at the Valley Visitor Center or any Yosemite Tour & Activity Desk.
Through the support of donors, Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to Yosemite National Park to help preserve and protect Yosemite today and for future generations. Work funded by the Conservancy is visible throughout the park, in trail rehabilitation, wildlife protection and habitat restoration. The Conservancy is also dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and providing a deeper connection to the park through outdoor programs, volunteering, wilderness services and its bookstores. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the Conservancy has provided more than $100 million in grants to Yosemite National Park. Learn more at yosemiteconservancy.org or call 1-415-434-1782.
Source: Yosemite Conservancy
