Mike Hansen featured as July Artist in Residence

The second of four Artists In Residence (AIR), Mike Hansen of Lovell will be giving four presentations in the month of July, three in the Bighorn Canyon Cal S. Taggart  Visitor Center in Lovell and one plein air presentation at the Ewing/Snell Ranch. 

“I am excited to bring people to the park and share with them what I have learned,” Mike said. 

In his early life, Mike was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing and riding his bike were his passions. In the 90s he started noticing that he couldn’t keep up with his hunting buddies and knew something was wrong. After six months of testing, he found out that he had multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord.

“Mike has worked to keep his connection to the outdoors, even though he experiences it much differently now,” Bighorn Canyon Chief of Interpretation Christy Fleming said. “Painting is one of the ways he connects. His paintings are inspired by his memories of the outdoors and Wyoming’s wildlife. Mentored by 2014 Bighorn Canyon AIR Denney NeVille, Mike continues to improve his work.

“Visitors who join Mike at one of his programs may get a two for one art experience as Denney may come out to paint with his friend.”

The following are the dates and locations visitors can paint with or just talk with Hansen: 

7/4 – “Who is Mike?” at the Lovell Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to noon.  

7/13 – “From photo to painting” at the Lovell Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to noon.  

7/19 – “Learning about Composition” at the Lovell Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to noon.  

7/27 – “Light and Atmosphere Plein Air” at the Ewing/Snell ranch 9-11 a.m.

All AIR activities are free and open to all ages and abilities. Call the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 548-5406 with questions.