A bold artistic statement is being made by a Boulder artist, Jenny McCarty, who is taking a stand to bring nature back into focus. McCarty's innovative 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 pass design, featuring President Trump's face alongside George Washington's, has sparked a debate. McCarty believes it takes the spotlight away from the very landscapes and parks these passes are meant to celebrate.
"You can tell there's no nature there," she says. "It's a missed opportunity to showcase the beauty of our national parks."
And this is the part most people miss: McCarty's stickers are not just a creative protest. They're a way to redirect attention to what truly matters - the awe-inspiring natural wonders of our country.
One of her designs showcases a grizzly bear gazing at Denali on a clear, blue-sky day. It's a powerful reminder of the raw, untamed beauty that exists beyond our cities and towns.
"I want to embrace the desire people have to see nature on their national parks pass," McCarty explains. "They don't want it to be political."
The stickers are designed to be versatile. They can completely cover the pass or be partially peeled to reveal the original design beneath. McCarty ensures that the essential details on the back, such as the signature, barcode, and purchase date, remain visible for park staff.
What started as a small, humorous idea has snowballed into a successful venture. McCarty has received over 1,200 orders from all 50 states, and she's enlisted the help of her husband, Nathan Skalak, to fulfill them.
Skalak believes the project resonates with people's desire to preserve our natural heritage. "People care about these places," he says. "This project is a gentle reminder of the beauty we have and the importance of protecting it."
McCarty charges $6 per sticker, and after covering material and shipping costs, the proceeds are donated to the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Park Foundation. It's a win-win situation, supporting both the artist's vision and important conservation efforts.
So, what do you think? Is this a brilliant way to bring nature back into the spotlight, or is it a controversial move? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
