GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — For more than a century artists have helped promote America's national parks through their artwork.

Sometimes it took an artist's rendering of a place before outsiders believed people's stories of a place.

The Yellowstone region was brought to national attention after painter Thomas Moran and photographer William Henry Jackson documented it, according to Michelle Wheatley, chief of visitor services at Colorado National Monument (CNM).

More than 20 local artists, all members of the Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade, have chosen to portray the landscape and wildlife of CNM in honor of the park's 100th anniversary.

The Blue Pig Gallery is hosting a reception 5-8 p.m., Friday, May 13, for the month-long exhibit of the monument artwork.

In honor of the centennial, the artists are donating 10 percent of sales from original pieces sold during the reception to the CNM Association, a nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with the National Park Service to support interpretive and educational programs and to fund research projects.

“This is a great opportunity for all of us to experience Colorado National Monument through the eyes of an artist,” Wheatley said.

There are batiks, oil and watercolor paintings, photography and pottery — all depicting an aspect of the monument. Guest artist Lillian Wyant will join the Blue Pig artists to show her oil painting “Monument-al Morning” that won “Best of Show” at the Palisade Art Lovers Show in April.

Another award-winning artist featured is Blue Pig artist Russell Smith, who won “Best of Colorado Artists” at The Art Center's Western Colorado Watercolor Society Show.

GO&DO What: Colorado National Monument art exhibit opening reception When: Fri., May 13, 5-8 p.m. Where: Blue Pig Gallery, 119 W. Third St. Info: www.thebluepiggallery.com, 464-4819