The Denali Foundation, in collaboration with the Saraf Foundation, created an art and education center in Nepal called the Sagarmatha Next Facility & Sustainable Park. This center offers six-week, all-inclusive artist residencies in Nepal, inspiring artists and developing educational programs that mix art, adventure, and eco-friendly practices like waste upcycling. These programs will be used by resident artists to teach students from nearby Namche and Kumjung schools during their stay. Learn more about the facility.
Artist in Residence Program
Former Artist-in-Residence Floyd Elzinga talks about his project in Nepal
Dhaulagiri by Alexander Heaton
Lhotse Soufh Face, created by Alexander Heaton during his residency
Art created by Floyd Elzinga while in residence uses scrap metal
Art created by Floyd Elzinga during his residency
Artist-in-Residence Committee
Emma Fern Curtis, former AIR
Floyd Elzinga, former AIR
Carolyn Elzinga
Tommy Gustaffson, Sagarmartha Next
Alexander Heaton, former AIR
Roshan Mishra, Himalayan Museum and Sustainable Park & Taragaon Next
Graydon Parrish, Denali Foundation Board of Directors
Angeline Tsenter, Denali Foundation Board of Directors
John Ordway, Denali Foundation Board of Directors
The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Committee is made up of our partners in Nepal, two Denali Foundation board members, and all past participants in the AIR program.
Art created by Floyd Elzinga during his residency
Ama Dablam I, created by Alexander Heaton during his residency
Our most recent artist in residence is painter Kelly Borgers.
Learn more here.
Past Artists in Residence
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Alexander Heaton
Painter and Metal Sculptor
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Floyd Elzinga
Metal Fabricator
Floyd Elzinga
Canadian sculptor Floyd Elzinga's journey as an artist began in first grade when he exchanged a drawing of an elephant for a coveted lunch treat. In 2022, his artistic path led him to the Denali Foundation's Artist-in-Residence Program in Nepal, hosted at the Sagarmatha Next Center for Art and Education. During his residency, Elzinga showcased his creative prowess by crafting intricate artworks from discarded metal waste collected from Mount Everest. MORE
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Emma Fern Curtis
Painter
Emma Fern Curtis, a classically trained artist, possesses a deep appreciation for travel and the natural world. She holds the conviction that intrinsic beauty in our surroundings often escapes our notice—a beauty defined by harmony and deliberate design. Emma's primary objective as a representational oil painter is to keenly observe and capture this essence of life, serving as a guide to help others discover and appreciate the often-overlooked beauty that surrounds us. MORE
Learn more about the application process for Denali Foundation’s Artist-in-Residence program.