Artist’s Stickers Spark Debate Over Political Expression in Parks

A Boulder artist’s initiative to create custom stickers aimed at covering President Trump’s image on the 2026 National Parks passes has ignited a national conversation about public lands and political expression. Jenny McCarty’s stickers, designed as a form of peaceful protest, have gained significant attention since their launch on December 10, 2023, reflecting a growing discontent with recent changes to the National Parks Service.

McCarty, a water-resource manager and artist from Boulder, Colorado, was motivated to produce these stickers after the new park pass design eliminated the public’s ability to vote on their favorite photographs. The stickers feature vibrant watercolor paintings of nature, including iconic scenes like a brown bear in a field and the majestic Denali, transforming the political imagery of Trump alongside George Washington into a canvas for artistic expression.

McCarty’s concerns extend beyond the visuals; they encompass the fundamental essence of America’s national parks, monuments, and other public lands. She is joined by various public lands advocacy groups that have expressed objections to the new pass design, arguing it violates established practices reliant on an annual photo contest.

The response to McCarty’s stickers has been remarkable, with over 1,000 orders received since their launch. The stickers cater to various pass types, including Senior and Military passes, making the message accessible to a broader audience. McCarty emphasizes that this initiative is a collaborative effort, supported by many individuals who share a desire for a voice in how public lands are represented.

For McCarty, national parks are communal spaces that evoke joy and serve as a platform for her artistic passions. She views the stickers as a way to engage in a non-violent method of political expression regarding federal policy changes that impact these treasured lands. The popularity of her stickers reflects a wider dissatisfaction with policies affecting national parks, such as increased development and budget cuts.

Support for the project has been extensive, including offers from a California sticker manufacturer and former park ranger to assist with printing. While McCarty has yet to receive any communication from the National Park Service or other government bodies regarding her stickers, they serve as a creative outlet for dissent.

McCarty’s connection to national parks is deeply personal, stemming from childhood visits that continued through her adult life in the West. The stickers symbolize a means for many individuals to express their concerns about federal policies affecting public lands. If park rangers do not accept the sticker-covered passes, individuals have the option to apply the stickers to a clear credit card holder.

In a further show of commitment to the cause, McCarty plans to donate all proceeds from sticker sales to the National Park Foundation. This initiative not only highlights the intersection of art and activism but also underscores the importance of public engagement in matters concerning national parks and public lands.