My Park, My Story: Lee & Ed Riddell

My Park, My Story tells the stories of people who are passionate about Grand Teton National Park and are committed to protecting it for the enjoyment of future generations. In our fifth edition, founding Foundation board members, Ed and Lee Riddell, share how they continue to pay it forward.

sunset_Ed Riddell
Sunset in the Tetons. Photo by Ed Riddell.

Ed and Lee Riddell are a creative duo who shares their love of Grand Teton National Park through their passion as artists. Ed is a renowned photographer who was first drawn to Jackson by the abundance of natural beauty and access to recreational activities. The first time Ed landed in Jackson Hole he immediately went from the airport and hiked from the top of the Tram to Jenny Lake! Accepting a summer job as a ranger-naturalist in the park and later working at Teton Science Schools, Ed was hooked.

Ed Riddell
Ed Riddell

Lee has always loved the west and the mountains. As a graphic designer and plein air landscape painter, Jackson was a place that Lee always wanted to live. She moved here to be a teaching intern at Teton Science Schools to finish college. There the two met, got married two years later, and decided to call Jackson Hole home.

Lee painting_photo by Ed Riddell
Lee in her element, plein air painting. Photo by Ed Riddell.

In 1976, Ed and Lee started a graphic design and photography company that eventually morphed into an advertising agency. The business grew and quickly became one of the most respected agencies in the Rocky Mountain region. After 23 years, they sold their company and embarked on their next great adventure—dedicating their lives to their passions of photography and painting.

Raining Leaves At Oxbow Bend, GTNP_Lee Riddell painting
Raining Leaves at Oxbow Bend, GTNP. Painting by Lee Riddell.

While they aren’t willing to divulge all of the secret and special spots in Grand Teton that fuel their creativity, they were willing to share a few! Lee frequents the Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row for inspiration and subject matter. One of Ed’s favorite spots is the Old Patriarch Tree. It is a white bark pine that has been sculpted by the elements and is positioned directly in front of the Cathedral Group—creating a dramatic scene between the mountains and the tree.

Old Patriarch Tree_Ed Riddell
The Old Patriarch Tree. Photo by Ed Riddell.

Ed and Lee not only enjoy spending time in the park for work, but also to hike, fish, ski, canoe, and spend time with family. “Grand Teton is such a unique place to experience and to learn from,” said Lee. They continue to share their love for the park and the importance of protecting it through their artwork. “The park is the anchor for what makes this place so special,” said Ed.

Ed and Lee are active stewards of Grand Teton National Park. They are involved in many different activities to help preserve, protect, and share the park with others, “Our hope is that Grand Teton National Park will be as beautiful in 100 years as it is today.”

To see more of Lee Riddell’s work visit her website at www.leeriddell.com

To see more of Ed Riddell’s work visit his website at www.edwardriddell.com

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