The Desert Light Centennial Edition | Página 3

! Editor’s Note The Desert Light The Magazine of Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation EDITOR IN CHIEF: Bob Killen 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 Patience, Persistence, Progress Developing and operating a new, not-for-profit artist foundation requires patience and persistence. There are often long pauses in the process such as completing the IRS program to gain full not-for-profit status, recruiting great talent for the Artists in Residence program, and raising funds to make it all happen for our artists and the public to enjoy their art. Thanks to the hard work of our board and support from the Superintendent of Mojave National Preserve, we have made significant progress since our last publication. The Internal Revenue Service issued our tax exemption letter, which positions the foundation to expand its fund-raising program. The outreach program to find talented professional and emerging growth artists has been a success and we now have great exhibitions in development for the last quarter of 2016 and all of 2017. The addition of a permanent collection of artwork is a significant improvement for the Desert Light Gallery. As we go to press with this issue, we are developing a standalone print and lithograph sales space at the Kelso Visitors Center, renovating the OX Ranch as an interim Artists in Residence, and pursuing an upgrade to the Desert Light Gallery lighting system. Janet Huston, our Treasurer and an Artists in Residence who will exhibit in October, is developing interactive programs so that the public can share the artist’s experience and learn how he/she created their work. In September, we will begin our fall fund raising program, announce goals and grant distribution plans in the next issue of the Desert Light Gallery. This fund drive will be our first major funding outreach with individual supporters, as well with corporate giving programs. All of us are grateful for what we have accomplished and even more grateful to be in a position to advance our future goals. All the Best Light, Bob WHO WE ARE The Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation is a Notfor-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 allvolunteer 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] Centennial Edition | THE DESERT LIGHT 3