On Sunday, April 28, Homestead National Monument of America artist-in-residence Cara Calvert-Thomas will hold an interactive painting workshop at 2 p.m. in the Homestead National Monument of America Education Center. The workshop is offered free of charge and is open to all ages. During this interactive workshop, visitors will be guided through the process of creating a watercolor landscape painting before imposing a photograph of a historical Nebraska figure or influential homesteader on it. Each participant will create a piece that they can take home with them.

Cara will be in residence at Homestead National Monument of America from April 26 through May 9. During her stay at the monument, Cara will work on her art out on the grounds of the monument and in the buildings. Visitors are welcome to come and watch her work and visit with her.

Currently, Cara lives in California where she works for Pinot’s Palette as both an Artist Instructor and Director of Artist Training. Previously, she was an art teacher in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Cara grew up in Alaska and is the descent of homesteaders in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Her great-great grandparents were a part of the Cherokee Strip Land Rush. Her connection to homesteading through family and teaching members of the Ponca Nation in Oklahoma, has led to a fascination and strong personal interest in people whose lives and descendants were influenced by the Homestead Act and western expansion.