The Desert Light September/October 2017 | Page 3

! Editor’s Note The Desert Light The Magazine of Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation EDITOR IN CHIEF: Tom Lowe ART DIRECTOR: Melody Duque ON LINE: Elisabeth Hewlett PHOTO EDITOR: Joe Raggin MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE ARTIST FOUNDATION 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Kelso, CA Post Office Courtesy of the US Park Service Elements of Mojave Opened in the Desert Light Gallery this month is Lu Ross’ collection of photographic prints entitled, Elements of Mojave. She has captured images using an architectural point of view. She focused on the earth’s power to sculpt a landscape using wind, water, fire and molten rock from below its surface. This collection of images is a representational abstraction of Mojave’s birth and subsequent molding by the forces of nature. It is a must see. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Mojave National Preserve. The cooler weather allows for long walks and the brisk mornings provide crisp air to keep you motivated on the desert floor. If you’re headed to Las Vegas from LA or the other way around consider making a slight deviation to Kelso where the rangers will invite you to walk the hallways of the old train depot and experience some of California’s diverse past. There is a film that screens upon request and a bookstore selling art from our Artists-in-Residence. Walk the ruins of the old post office and spend a few minutes in the jail cell – it’s a great break from the monotony of the Interstate. Our president, Bob Killen, has an update for us on the exciting construction project at OX Ranch. We are still looking for volunteers and donations. Visit our fundraise.com site, watch the video and donate today! https://www.fundraise.com/ mojavenationalpreserveartistsfoundation This month also saw devastation in Texas, Florida and many Caribbean Islands from some of the largest hurricanes ever recorded. If you can, please donate to your favorite charity to help your fellow human’s recovery efforts. You’ll find me under a wandering star. Peace. Tom WHO WE ARE The Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation is a Not- for-Profit Corporation dedicated to supporting the Artists in Residence Program (AIR), and the restoration of the Kousch Homestead, a future home for artists creating work in Mojave National Preserve. MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation is an all- volunteer organization dedicated to the development of the arts within Mojave National Preserve. When you make a donation, you make a difference, contributing funds that will help restore our new artist’s residence, the historic Kousch Homestead, expanding arts on the Mojave National Preserve, and enabling us to present exhibits that educate, entertain, and inform through the work of gifted artists. WHAT WE DO The Foundation provides programs to encourage diverse artistic interpretations from emerging growth and seasoned artists to pursue themes that will establish a continuum of understanding for the public regarding the land, history, atmosphere, and the many visual communities of Mojave National Preserve. HOW TO DONATE Contribute today by going to https:// www.mojaveair.org/ contribute or send your tax deductible donation check to Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation, 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 EDITORIAL MISSION The Desert Light fosters an appreciation of the contributions and work of artists who participate in thematic projects for Mojave National Preserve. The magazine uses the power of imagery and language to forge a lasting bond between MNPAF members, readers, while inspiring new readers in our efforts to develop art in national Parks and to complete the Kousch Homestead Restoration Mission. HOW TO REACH US On line: [email protected] Phone: (562) 665-7472 Mail: Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 [email protected] Sep/Oct 2017 | THE DESERT LIGHT 3