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There is symbiotic relationship between the outdoors and art. Some of the world's greatest artists, photographers and musicians have been inspired by beautiful landscapes.

That's one of the reasons many national parks including Arches and Canyonlands designate local artists to spend a year as a Community Artist in the Park.

The program was created in 2009 to highlight the connection between a local artist and surrounding landscapes, particularly Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.

Bluff artist Anthony Lott will be the 2017 Community Artist in the Parks. This marks the first time the program has featured an artist residing in San Juan County who will focus on the southern parks of the group.

The Salt Lake City native teaches drawing, painting, ceramics and art appreciation at the Blanding Campus of Utah State University. He calls Utah's national parks touchstones where people intersect with the land and each other.

As the Community Artist, Lott will work within the parks a minimum of 24 hours per month from April through October and share his inspiration and creative process with visitors. Pieces of his work will be sold in all Canyonlands Natural History Association bookstores during his tenure.