The inspiration for the present exhibit came from The Majesty of the Grand Canyon: 150 Years in Art by Arnold Skolnick and Dr. Joni Kinsey. this book broadened my knowledge of the world of Grand Canyon-inspired art and introduced me to some of the artists included here. these artists have been drawn to Grand Canyon from many parts of the world. For them the canyon has represented a spiritual and emotional experience, one that many of us share. In the words of Susan Shatter:

"What exactly is it that I am feeling when I am put in these remote places? As I am walking or sitting and looking for hours in a particular place, what I experience is a transcendence of time and space. It involves a feeling of going deeper into the depths of oneself and beyond, out into the universe. Trying to paint moving water, changing light and millions of years of geological time puts me in some accord with the mystery that informs all things."

Selecting the artists for this exhibit and working with them and their collectors has been a real pleasure; they have all been very helpful and patient with my frequent calls and letters. many of the artists were enthusiastic about having this exhibit come to light in its rightful place, Grand Canyon National Park, and expressed their gratitude to the National park Service and Grand Canyon Association for allowing it to come together. i want to say a special thanks you to Mr. A.P. Hays of Arizona West Galleries, Scottsdale, for his generosity with his time and his collection; several of the works exhibited here are his.