Mark Bowles, The Formation of the Earth from the Spirit; acrylic

Yosemite Renaissance is a non-profit organization for the support of the arts of Yosemite.  Its programs include an annual art competition/exhibition, an Artists-in-Residence program, and a biannual auction of Yosemite art to support the programs of Yosemite Renaissance.

The programs of Yosemite Renaissance are intended to encourage diverse artistic interpretations of Yosemite. Its goals are to bring together the works of serious contemporary artists that do not simply duplicate traditional representations; to establish a continuum with past generations of Yosemite artists; and to help re-establish visual art as a major interpretive medium of the landscape and a stimulus to the protection of the environment. Historically, the arts have played a very important role in the establishment of our State and National Parks. It is our hope that they can be just as important in future efforts to preserve and protect that heritage.