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

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

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 and public understanding, offering new ways to engage visitors, educate younger generations, and preserve the spirit of service within our shared landscapes. It also reflects on the foundation’s resilience through challenges like COVID-19 and government shutdowns, and the importance of storytelling, community, and education in keeping history alive.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/

🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/

📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating almost a decade of creative collaborations in national parks.

In Honor of Military Family Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When," "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Explore the Network of Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork