In celebration of RAIR's fortieth anniversary, Ann McGarrell, whose husband was one of the artists-in-residence, has written an anecdotal history of the Roswell program. In a town known for its UFO landings, Roswell's Artist-in-Residence program provides a contemporary counterpoint to the Southwest's traditional art forms. Additionally, RAIR has provided inspiration to many of New Mexico's most prominent artists, including former attendees Luis Jimenez and Robert Parke Harrison.