Scott “Doc” Varn is the Executive Director and CEO of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA), an organization that combines history and art to conserve America’s most important sites. Sharing the mission behind PAPA, Scott joins us today to talk about his personal journey of falling in love with the process of unveiling key locations across the country. He speaks to the unique skills necessary to do this effectively, where he first acquired them, and how he goes about finding like-minded artists to join him along the way. We discuss the process of documenting old and new and understanding our place in history in order to educate generations to come. You’ll also hear all about the PBS documentary dedicated to PAPA, how to become an artist member, and where to view the work being produced by this important organization. Thanks for tuning into this conversation with a very special friend and colleague, Scott “Doc” Varn!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The history of PAPA and the unifying factor of America’s natural beauty.
• How Scott’s mission to discover these spaces was unlocked.
• Resources that point the team at PAPA towards key locations.
• Where Scott developed the skills necessary to get to this stage.
• How the process of conservation and preservation works.
• Finding the appropriate artists with the right intention.
• Documentation of the old and the new and understanding our place in history.
• Mediums available to the artist as they retrace the route through the French Broad Region.
• The PBS documentary bringing PAPA to a screen near you!
• How to become an artist member and where to view the artwork online and in person.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott “Doc” Varn on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/docvarn/

Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA) — https://preservationthroughart.org/

America: The Land We Live In — https://www.pbs.org/show/america-the-land-we-live-in/

Blue Danube Productions — https://bluedanubeproductions.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.wordpress.com/