Lauren Connolly Photography & Painting
Lauren Connolly Photography & Painting
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Artist in Residence: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In November 2024, I had the incredible honor of serving as an Artist in Residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park—a place teeming with biodiversity, history, and an undeniable magic in its mist-covered peaks. This month-long immersion was more than just an opportunity to create; it was a chance to slow down, reconnect, and fully absorb the rhythms of the natural world in a way that only the Smokies can provide.

As one of only five artists selected for the program, I was given the space to deeply explore my nature journaling, watercolor, and photography—capturing the essence of the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and subtle seasonal changes. I also embraced the deep cultural and natural history of the region, engaging with park rangers, locals, and visitors who shared their own stories of the land.

Throughout my residency, I committed to not just creating, but sharing. I hosted self-guided nature journaling sessions and a collaborative art project, where visitors contributed to a collective piece inspired by the park’s beauty. This interactive approach allowed others to slow down, observe, and express their connection to the Smokies through art. Even those who didn't consider themselves "artists" could engage by coloring and adding their own touch to the project.

This residency was a reminder of why artists have always played a crucial role in conservation. Through visual storytelling, we bridge the gap between people and the places they may never visit, fostering a sense of appreciation and responsibility for the natural world. My time in the Smokies deepened my mission with Wild Developments—to help others cut through the hustle, slow down, and find their own connection to nature through art, adventure, and conservation.

I’m excited to share the work I created, the lessons I learned, and the projects that will come from this experience. Follow along as I continue to explore, create, and inspire—one wild place at a time.

📸 Stay tuned for upcoming artwork, photography, and behind-the-scenes stories from my residency!

Photographic Journal: Exploring the Gatlinburg November 2024

All packed up for a month in Gatlinburg and ready to leave Ohio!
Gasing up at Bucees!
Make shift picnic on the road
OMG its happening!
Offically an Artist in Residence!
Exploring with the hubby on the first day before he leaves to go back to Ohio :(
Note to self- don't leave out pumpkins! This was the day after Halloween!
Spotted elk in the creek!
Doing a church tour of Cade's Cove
work in progress of a sparrow painting
half way through a leaf study- painted a new leaf everyday for 30 days
work in progress of a turtle painting

Visitor Engagement: Self-Guided Nature Journaling and Collaborative Artwork at Oconaluftee & Sugarlands Visitor Centers

The finished collaborative piece! 4 feet by 6 feet and dozens of controbutions!
How it looked after it's first engagement!
Tools for guests to take on the trail and nature journal

Presentation at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Pre-Artist-In-Residence Experience

This week, I’m gearing up for my artist-in-residence experience at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! I'll be spending November immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies, capturing the landscape through photography, watercolor, and nature journaling. It’s going to be a transformative month, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you all! 

Slowing Down to Leap Forward- a peak at the Artist-In-Reside

In this heartfelt episode of Wild Developments, host Lauren Connolly reflects on her transformative Artist in Residence experience at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From painting vibrant landscapes to grappling with personal and professional challenges, Lauren shares candid updates on her creative journey, lessons learned, and exciting plans for the podcast’s future.

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