Artists Eva Agus and Nick Vasquez to Inspire at Redwood Parks

The National Park Service, in collaboration with California State Parks and the Redwood Parks Conservancy, has selected **Eva Agus** and **Nick Vasquez** as the artists-in-residence for **spring 2026** at **Redwood National & State Parks**. Starting in **April 2026**, the Oakland-based artists will delve into the stunning landscapes of the parks, creating art and poetry inspired by the region’s rich natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Profiles of the Artists

**Eva Agus** is a multidisciplinary artist and environmental engineer who integrates cultural heritage with sustainability in her work. With over twenty years of experience in water and energy infrastructure, Agus has transitioned to creating batik-inspired wood panel paintings that depict urban greenscapes and wildlife encounters. Her artistic journey reflects her Californian experiences through an Indonesian visual perspective. Agus has showcased her work at notable venues such as the **San Francisco Opera**, **Sausalito Center for the Arts**, and the **Los Angeles Gamelan Festival**. She holds a doctorate in environmental engineering from **UC Berkeley** and has received artistic training from master artisans in Javanese and Balinese traditions.

**Nick Vasquez** is a poet whose creative output is deeply influenced by his upbringing in California’s foster care system and his experiences in rural Northern California. His poetry often draws on nature as a source of inspiration and self-reflection. Vasquez’s work has been featured in literary publications including **The Dewdrop**, **Toyon Literary Magazine**, and **The Write Launch**. He holds undergraduate degrees in English and psychology, along with a master’s in developmental psychology from **Cal Poly Humboldt**. Additionally, he is the founder and lead editor of **Grey Hands**, a mentorship program focused on creative writing for foster youth.

The Artist-in-Residence Program

The Artist-in-Residence program offers a platform for artists to explore and interpret the unique landscapes of the parks through their creative endeavors. By merging art with environmental themes, the program aims to foster a greater public appreciation for the natural world and encourage stewardship of these cherished lands.

As Agus and Vasquez prepare for their residency, their work is expected to resonate with visitors and locals alike, providing a fresh perspective on the natural wonders that surround them. For more information about the program, interested individuals can visit the official National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/redw/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm.