A bold artistic statement is being made by a Boulder-based artist, Jenny McCarty, who is taking a stand to bring nature back into the spotlight. Her unique idea? Creating removable stickers featuring her stunning nature paintings to cover the 2026 America the Beautiful annual pass. But here's where it gets controversial...
The original design for the pass, announced by the Department of Interior, features President Trump's face alongside George Washington's, shifting the focus away from the very landscapes and parks these passes are meant to celebrate. McCarty felt this was a missed opportunity and decided to take action.
"You can tell there's no nature there, no national parks featured. I wanted to bring that back into the conversation," she explained. And so, her small business venture began, with an initial joke that resonated deeply with many.
"I was amazed at the response. People loved the idea of reclaiming the pass and celebrating nature. It's a simple yet powerful way to make a statement," McCarty shared.
Each sticker is an original painting, with one design showcasing "a grizzly bear gazing at Denali on a clear sky day." McCarty's goal is clear: to refocus attention on the beauty of nature and keep politics out of it.
"People want to see nature on their national parks pass. They don't want it to be a political statement. I'm just trying to give them that option," she said.
The stickers are designed to be versatile, allowing users to cover the pass entirely or partially reveal the original design beneath. McCarty ensures that all the essential details on the back, like the signature, barcode, and purchase date, remain visible for park staff.
What started as a small side project has snowballed into a successful venture, with over 1,200 orders from all 50 states. McCarty's husband, Nathan Skalak, and others have joined the effort to fulfill the demand.
Skalak believes the project's popularity lies in its ability to connect with people's passion for preservation.
"It's a reminder of the beauty we want to protect. People care deeply about these places, and this is a way to show that," he said.
McCarty charges $6 per sticker, and after covering material and shipping costs, all proceeds are donated to the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Park Foundation. It's important to note that this project is not officially affiliated with the National Park Service.
"I understand this idea might not be for everyone. But for those who share my passion for nature and want to make a statement, these stickers offer a creative way to do so," McCarty concluded.
So, what do you think? Is this a brilliant artistic expression or a controversial move? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
