Voyageurs National Park Along with Voyageurs Conservancy Host Community Artist and Educator – Sam Zimmerman

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: This summer, Voyageurs National Park will receive a vibrant community mural celebrating the park’s waters and skies. With support from Voyageurs Conservancy, Sam Zimmerman will serve as a Community Artist and Educator in residence in the park from June 26 – July 1, 2022.  

Sam Zimmerman – a Grand Portage direct descendant – is a painter, author, and educator based in Duluth, Minnesota. Zimmerman draws on his Ojibwe heritage to create vibrant images filled with symbolism. He passionately believes in artistic expression as a gateway for education and cultural understanding. His work continues the Anishinaabe tradition of storytelling, with themes of environmental stewardship and conservation. His work has been showcased in gallery and public installations throughout the nation and abroad. 

During his residency, Sam Zimmerman will create a community mural on the shorelines of Voyageurs National Park. This mural will depict the unique landscape of the park, share Ojibwe teachings, and offer a space for dialogue. The public is encouraged to view Sam’s work in action at rotating ‘Mural Pop-ups’ located at the park’s visitor centers. At these pop-ups, you’ll meet Sam, observe his artistic process and learn how Ojibwe storytelling influences his paintings. A special event unveiling the new Voyageurs Community Mural will be hosted at the Ash River Visitor Center on Friday, July 1st from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Join the National Park Service, Voyageurs Conservancy, and Sam Zimmerman to celebrate art and stewardship in our parks! 

Schedule of Events: 

Sunday, June 26 

1:00 – 4:00 pm   Voyageurs Community Mural Pop-up 

                 Ash River Visitor Center 

Tuesday, June 28 

1:00 – 4:00 pm   Voyageurs Community Mural Pop-up  

Rainy Lake Visitor Center  

5:30 – 6:30 pm   Following My Spirit Home; book talk and signing with Sam Zimmerman  

International Falls Public Library 

10 – 11 pm          Voyageurs Dark Sky Program with guest Sam Zimmerman  

Rainy Lake Visitor Center 

Wednesday, June 29 

9:00 as – 12 pm Voyageurs Community Mural Pop-up  

Ash River Visitor Center 

Thursday, June 30 

9:00 am – 12 pm               Voyageurs Community Mural Pop-up  

Ash River Visitor Center 

10 – 11 pm          Voyageurs Dark Sky Program with special guest Sam Zimmerman                         Voyageurs Forest Overlook (near the Ash River Visitor Center) 

Friday, July 1 

1 – 2 pm               Community Mural Unveiling and Celebration 

                Ash River Visitor Center