Art in the Dark

Alina Lindquist, an accomplished painter, was the Fall Artist-in-Residence at Great Basin National Park in 2024. Ancient bristlecone pines, the oldest living organisms on Earth, served as Alina’s muse, but her work extended beyond the trees, to the Park’s lakes, caves, flora, and fauna.

"My time at Great Basin National Park was spent musing amongst the ancient bristlecone pines, listening to the stories they hold in their wind-gnarled branches, and capturing their character through paint. The bristlecones are just one of the many unique parts of this national park, not to mention the lakes, caves, flora and fauna that inhabit this landscape and inspired many other paintings. Each morning, I would hike to a different location in Great Basin National Park and start a painting (or two). I was hauling my painting gear up the trails, gaining elevation to find the perfect spot to paint. The result of such effort is some of the most stunning scenery in all of Nevada and paintings that reflect the essence of the land."

One of the highlights of Alina’s residency was her leading the “Art in the Dark” program during Great Basin’s Astronomy Festival. This family-friendly event challenged participants to experiment with color perception in low light. Under the guidance of Alina and Park astronomy rangers, visitors engaged in an art project that explored how our eyes interpret color in the dark. All supplies were provided, making the program accessible to artists of all ages and abilities. Participants created a collaborative art piece, which was displayed for the remainder of the festival. The program blends creativity with the Park’s renowned dark skies, offering a unique intersection of art and astronomy.

Alina’s residency not only contributed to Great Basin National Park’s cultural offerings but deepened her personal connection to the Great Basin, inspiring artwork that captures the spirit of this stunning landscape.