BLM Artist in Residence shares music inspired by Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
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DOLORES, Colo. – Join the Bureau of Land Management at the Anasazi Heritage Center at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 as Bonnie Schmader, the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument 2017 Artist in Residence, shares the music she composed after her inspirational visit to the area.
“Visitors who explore Canyons of the Ancients National Monument are often inspired to use their artistic gifts to share their experiences as they explore the cultural landscape,” said Marietta Eaton, BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Manager. “Each year we invite artists to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of our public lands through our Artist in Residence program.”
Schmader, a musician, composer and natural sounds recordist, will give a presentation and share recordings of her work. She will also perform the field recordings live to demonstrate the unique soundscapes within the monument.
“As a performer, teacher, composer, recording artist and therapeutic musician, not a day goes by that I’m not somehow doing something musically,” said Schmader. “I also love recording nature and other ambient sounds, so I’m always inspired when I’m able to combine these two passions.”
Schmader has been a musician all her life, performing with many orchestras, jazz groups and chamber music ensembles. In October she will represent the U.S. at the Musicians without Borders Advanced Training Program in the Netherlands, where she will work with other musicians from around the world learning how to use music as a tool for peace-building, social activism and non-violent communication. She is also an environmental educator and a therapeutic musician.
“As an accomplished musician, Bonnie brings a less traditional slant to exploring the environment and interpreting it through music and ambient,” said Eaton. “We anticipate a creative and non-traditional approach for those who love and relate to music and the connection between her art and the landscape.”
The program is free and admission to the museum is also free during the event. To learn more, call the Anasazi Heritage Center at 970-882-5600 or connect with Schmader at https://www.bonnieschmader.
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.