Editor’s Note Nowhere is Magical Photo: Mid Hills Sunset - Janet Huston Happy New Year! We open our new season of art in the Desert Light Gallery with a new emerging growth artist, Evan Bracken. His exhibition, “Nowhere is Magical.” is a conglomeration of night photography, laser projections and a sense of wonder in Mojave. A play on words Evan uses nowhere, as a destination, a place that is unobstructed from the underpinnings of his urban upbringings. His eye is more traditionally trained in advertising yet one can see he is stretching his creative boundaries in this work, testing his technique and inviting us along for the ride. It is an impressive display and a great start to an exciting year at the gallery. Our work at the OX Cabin continues. Our president, Bob Killen, met with Sam Quackenbush, Maintenance Director for the NPS, and Brian Taylor from field maintenance to review the utilities and discovered there is an issue with the water pump due to a faulty solenoid in the system. It will take some trench digging to repair issue. In the meantime, Sam and Brian have furnished us with a workaround so some water can flow and construction can continue. We are also happy to announce that the front gate has a Foundation lock and training on the existing solar power system has taken place. The National Park Service will install updated solar panels and the accompanying electrical system in the coming weeks, giving us all the power we’ll need for the foreseeable future. Until then, thanks to maintenance team, we still have water and power to keep the project on track. We continue to raise funds and welcome your donations through our website, http://mojaveair.org. Please don’t miss our Artist’s Corner contributor and former Artist in Residence Michael Gordon’s piece. A dedicated photographer and awarding winning artist, Michael shares some of his Mojave experience and stunning images from the field. His photographs along with past and present artists work are available for purchase on our site. Winter in the Preserve is a great time to visit. The crisp air of the high desert makes for perfect hiking weather, and the cooler temperatures translate to morning dew helping to keep the dust levels low, thus providing clean vistas and vibrant colors in the flora. We all encourage you to bring a coat and some gloves as the temps can drop to below freezing and if it does rain watch for flash floods in the canyons. The desert is magical in the winter, stars seem to shine brighter, sounds carry farther, and if you listen, there is a pensive peace that lays waiting for the warmth of spring. Bring your hand warmers and boots and experience winter in the desert. You won’t regret it. You’ll find me under a wandering star. Peace. 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 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 Pres