BLM Artist-in-Residence to share art inspired by South Fork of Snake River
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – An upcoming art exhibition and presentation sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Falls Art Council will feature BLM Idaho’s Artist-in-Residence Scott Switzer. Join BLM staff and Switzer on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Willard Art Center, located at 498 A Street in Idaho Falls.
Meet the artist, hear about his experience and see oil paintings inspired by his exploration of the South Fork of the Snake River. Following the exhibition, Switzer’s works will be on display in the Hall Gallery until Jan. 12, 2020.
Switzer was chosen by a panel to spend a week on the South Fork in 2018 and document his experience. An Idaho resident, Switzer is passionate about his public lands. This experience provided him an opportunity to celebrate them and give back to the agencies that manage those resources for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Photos of his work are available online at: www.scottswitzer.com.
The Artist-in-Residence program invites artists to spend a week absorbing their surroundings, creating art in response to the experience, and then sharing their vision and technique with visitors. The program also promotes awareness of exceptional places found on public lands.
Background: South Fork of the Snake River
The South Fork of the Snake River flows for 66 miles across southeastern Idaho, through high mountain valleys, canyons and flood plains to its confluence with the Henrys Fork of the Snake River near the Menan Buttes. Flowing northwest from Palisades Dam in Swan Valley, the river runs for the first 9 miles through a narrow channel, then widens and flows around several island complexes.
Fall Creek cascades into the river just upstream from the Swan Valley Bridge. Downstream of Conant launch, the river leaves Highway 26 and enters a scenic canyon. The impressive canyon scenery continues downstream until near Heise Hot Springs, where the cliffs give way to a level flood plain.
The South Fork supports the largest riparian cottonwood gallery forest in the West and is one of the most unique, diverse ecosystems in Idaho. It is home to 126 bird species, including 21 raptors, meriting a "National Important Bird Area" designation. The river also supports the largest native cutthroat fishery outside of Yellowstone National Park. The corridor serves as habitat for an impressive array of other wildlife including moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, river otters, beavers, foxes and mink.
More Information
For more information, please contact Ben Swaner at bswaner@blm.gov or 208-524-7568. To apply or to learn additional information about the program, please visit the BLM’s website at https://www.blm.gov/get-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.