MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for two Artists-in-Residence: one at the historic Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site and another at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to capture these public lands during a milestone year as the Nation marks its 250th birthday and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  The artists will receive one- to two-week residencies during the summer to create original work while immersed in some of Oregon’s most remarkable environments.

One artist and one alternate will be selected for each residency based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. As part of the 2026 program, selected artists will also be part of the Freedom 250 celebration, paying tribute to the historic sites and special lands that have contributed to the Nation’s heritage.

“Artists provide a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes, highlighting our mission and role in public land management as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”

Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site

The Rogue River Ranch residency will take place between June and August 2026 in a breathtaking setting deep in the Rogue Wild and Scenic River Corridor. The remote outpost is a two-hour drive or a 22-mile river trip from Grave Creek Boat Ramp. The selected artist will reside in the historic house.

Following their residency, the artist will share their vision in a public presentation at the Grants Pass Museum of Art on Oct. 2. Their work will be displayed at the museum for one month and then returned to the artist. The BLM is requesting digital copies of the artwork to promote the Artist-in-Residence program and public lands. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.

In summer 2025, Artist Alisha Whitman created watercolors during her residency. She shared her experience with the BLM.

Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any style or medium.

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov, or by calling 541-471-6642.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency will take place in June 2026. The selected artist will be based at a travel trailer at Hyatt Lake Campground while exploring the environment and creating their art. The BLM is seeking visual artists for this residency.

Since 2017, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument's natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances.

Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Paul Atkinson, a gifted photographer who spent his time studying and photographing the monument’s unique landscapes.

During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.  

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing John Duwe at jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling 541-618-2320.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Defendant Admitted Replacing Diverted Drugs with Saline, Impacting Treatment of More Than 200 Animals

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dr. Brenda Brown-Carlson, a Portland veterinarian, was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation on January 13, 2026, in Multnomah County Circuit Court as part of a plea agreement. Brown-Carlson admitted to diverting controlled substances for her personal use and replacing them with saline, impacting the treatment of more than 200 animals at two veterinary clinics where she was employed.

“DEA has a long-standing relationship of trust and partnership with veterinary providers who are authorized to handle and administer controlled substance to care for animals that are sick,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “ Ms. Brown-Carlson abused that relationship and trust by diverting prescription drugs for her own personal use and, in doing so, compromised the care of more than 200 animals.”

Brown-Carlson pled guilty to one felony count of Tampering with Drug Records, two felony counts of Computer Crimes, and one felony count of Attempted Animal Neglect in the Second Degree.

According to court documents, Brown-Carlson diverted hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance,  buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance, and butorphanol, a Schedule IV controlled substance, for her own use. Rather than administering the appropriate doses of these medications, animals undergoing surgery and medical procedures received diluted doses, compromising their care.

Co-workers became aware of drug discrepancies and reviewed the clinics’ computerized drug-dispensing machine, records, and surveillance video. Video footage showed Brown-Carlson diverting controlled substances and refilling vials with saline.

The veterinary clinic reported the diversion to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland in February 2024. A Diversion Investigator from the DEA Seattle Field Division, Portland District Office, initiated an investigation and reviewed the evidence. During an interview, Brown-Carlson initially denied the diversion, even after being shown video evidence, and later admitted to the conduct, showing little remorse. She surrendered her DEA Certificate of Registration during the interview.

Following testimony by the DEA Diversion Investigator before a Multnomah County Grand Jury, a state indictment was issued. Brown-Carlson was arrested and charged with 14 felony counts of Tampering with Drug Records, 13 felony counts of Computer Crimes, and two felony counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, involving more than 40 animals.

As part of the plea agreement, Brown-Carlson ultimately pled guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation. Conditions of probation prohibit her from being employed by any business whose primary purpose is the treatment of animals. She is also prohibited from having contact with animals during probation, except that she may own and care for her own pets. She may not provide veterinary care for her own pets or for the pets of others, and may only have contact with other pets in the presence of their owners.

“This sentence makes clear that drug-related crime has consequences, but it also acknowledges that meaningful accountability includes addressing addiction through structured treatment to reduce the risk of re-offending in the future,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.

Action by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board regarding Brown-Carlson’s state veterinary license is pending. Civil penalties for violations of the Controlled Substances Act related to her DEA Certificate of Registration are also pending.

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