Ariel Rodriguez is a scratchboard and oil paint artist originally from Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Gardiner in 2020 after falling in love with the park and its wildlife while working in Yellowstone National Park in 2018.
Ariel graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago and now has art featured in galleries throughout Chicago, Montana, and all Yellowstone National Park locations. Ariel says her first art accomplishment was having her work featured in the Aurora Illinois Mayor’s office. In July 2023, Ariel will also be participating in Jackson Hole’s 58th annual art fair showcasing professional fine art. Ariel creates art because of “the pure satisfaction of making something out of absolutely nothing” and says that art brings her “peace and joy to simply create in any way possible.” Ariel hopes to continue expanding her art presence by participating in Artist in Residency programs and eventually open her own café and gallery!
Ariel is the current Art Coordinator at Wonderland Café & Lodge. In this role she helps bring exposure to artists and provides a safe space for them to showcase their work. The artwork featured in the café is admired and purchased by guests from all over the world.
You can check out Ariel’s artwork on her Instagram or her website!