Editor’s Note Opened in the Desert Light Gallery this month is Kathleen Fischer’s collection of black and white photographic prints entitled, “Life Finds A Way.” Kathleen comes to us a seasoned and accomplished artist. She taught Photo: Golden Hour, Mesa Moods - Caroline Kwas photography in Chicago for thirty-four years and spent her summers traveling to our national parks with a large format view camera. She has since downsized and gone digital and gives workshops, mentors and spends long months on the road in her vintage trailer with her husband and dog. Her work was recently recognized at the International Spider Awards and has been published in Black & White as well as View Camera magazines. Here work here in Mojave is stunning. Late Fall, or as some call it, early Winter, is a great time to visit Mojave National Preserve. The air is crisp and the temps are cool. You will often find yourself alone out here too as there aren’t many who brave the early morning temps. When you do come, spend time listening to sounds of Mojave. The wind through the Joshua Trees, the hawk cries over the desert floor and the peace that comes from the desert in winter. Our president, Bob Killen, has an update for us on the exciting construction project at O.X. Ranch. We’ve come a long way and the project is reaching its end. Bob took the time to capture several images that I think you’ll enjoy. We hope to have the facility open for artists in 2019. This month also saw devastation in California from the horrific brush fires. If you can, please donate to your favorite charity to help your fellow human’s recovery efforts. If you don’t have a favorite charity, consider The Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/ disaster-relief. You’ll find me under a wandering star. Peace. Tom 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 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] Nov/Dec 2018 | THE DESERT LIGHT 3