Grand Canyon Centennial Magazine Scavenger Hunts

Watercolor and ink, 2018

Art Director: Julie Sullivan Brace, Shine Creative Industries

In 2018, Claire Loon Baldwin worked with Shine Creative Industries to illustrate a series of scavenger hunts for the Grand Canyon's centennial magazine. The project featured playful and educational designs aimed at engaging park visitors with the area’s natural features and wildlife. Over a million copies of the publication were distributed across the park and the state of Arizona.

Using watercolor and ink, Claire captured the unique treasures of Grand Canyon, drawing from her experience working throughout the canyon as a Park Ranger. The illustration emphasizes her ability to blend scientific accuracy with an accessible, engaging style.

Learn more about the project on Shine Creative's website.

This hand-drawn illustration showcases elements of the Grand Canyon’s natural ecosystem. Centered is a detailed rendering of the humpback chub, a silvery fish with greenish hues and delicate scales, labeled with its scientific name, Gila cypha. Surrounding the fish are various other natural elements: the pinyon pine tree with twisting, gnarled branches; a pinyon pine cone depicted in vibrant green; the cliffrose plant, with white flowers and wispy leaves; the sagebrush shrub, represented with its iconic silvery green foliage; and the distinctive beavertail prickly pear cactus with soft pink blossoms atop its flat, spiny pads. A golden bark scorpion is meticulously illustrated, its pincers and curved stinger posed as if ready to strike. Above these elements is the Big Dipper constellation, shining bright against a watercolor-style blue sky. Lastly, a black California condor with its numbered wing tag spreads its majestic wings at the bottom.

This vibrant illustration highlights key landmarks and cultural symbols of the Grand Canyon. The top row features three views of the North Rim and Moon Room windows, showing the majestic red and orange canyon cliffs under varied lighting conditions. Below is the gravestone from the Pioneer Cemetery, surrounded by sprigs of purple lupine flowers, commemorating historical figures. The iconic Brighty Statue, a gray burro sitting placidly, is depicted with endearing details, embodying the spirit of the Grand Canyon’s history. The CCC Heart Stone is shown embedded in a rustic stone wall, a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps' contributions. The Bright Angel Fireplace, drawn with its warm orange glow, evokes feelings of comfort. Nearby is the Grand Canyon Train Depot, complete with a traditional train and depot building sketched in warm wooden tones. On the right is the Hopi Mural, a striking cultural piece with yellow, orange, and black tones.

Grand Canyon Centennial Magazine Scavenger Hunts

Watercolor and ink, 2018

Grand Canyon Centennial Posters

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