MNPAF Board members are in the cast .
I write today to ask for your help . The MNPAF produced a short film in support of our efforts to restore the historic OX Ranch House .
We filmed for five days in October a month highlighted by the relinquished heat of summer before winter ’ s freezing temperatures that can wrap the high desert in frost . In the crystal clear , cool mornings we captured the sunrise . And as anyone who has spent time in the desert can tell you the sunsets never disappoint in Mojave .
Our film stars the rest of our board , Janet Huston , Jim Smart , Gabe Thorburn , and the MNPAF president Bob Killen . We also had the incredible support from the National Park Service Rangers , Todd Seuss , Superintendent at Mojave National Preserve , and Todd Smith , the Interpretive Field Supervisor . All of us played our roles , Gabe as an editor-music supervisor and additional camera work , Bob as a writer , co-director , Janet and Jim through their support in writing and other advice in the field , me as a writer , director / cameraman . We were also lucky to have Scot Fure of Video Concepts , Marquette , MI perform the Voice Over . As in all film production ( and in many other areas of life ), the people you work with make all the difference . We had a ball .
Our goal with this piece is to provide documentary evidence of the Mojave ’ s uniqueness , tell the story of the artist ’ s experience in the Preserve , and highlight our desire to restore / rehab the OX Ranch House for future use by our Artists in Residence . From the Kelso Dunes to the Cinder Cones , Hole in the Wall and the land around the ranch house itself , we follow the story of the Residency program and expose the challenges our artists face while on assignment .
Our goal is to raise $ 25,000.00 for updates to the bathroom , kitchen , and grounds of the OX Ranch .
We may discover the next world renowned artist .
For me , the residency program launched my friendship with Bob and has been the catalyst for an introduction to some very talented artists . I find the Mojave to be one of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever visited or worked in . Most of our Artists agree . Imagine the creative force we will create by giving our Artists in Residence a fully immersive experience in the desert at the OX Ranch . With your donation , we can help this world renowned Artist in Residence Program become a destination for some of humanity ’ s greatest living painters , sculptors , photographers , and poets .
Please take a moment , to watch our film and make a donation ! I can ’ t guarantee it ’ ll dust off your soul , as Picasso said , but I can guarantee you ’ ll know more about the Mojave and the MNPAF . Click . Watch . Donate . Today ! https :// www . fundraise . com / mojavenationalpreserveartistsfoundation DLM
12 THE DESERT LIGHT | Jan / Feb 2017