News Release

Mesa Verde’s Artist in Residence is Photographer Ellen Augarten

Date: May 3, 2018
Contact: Mesa Verde Museum Association, 970-529-4445
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

Photographer Ellen Augarten is the next Mesa Verde National Park Artist in Residence, from April 30 to May 12. During her residency, Ellen’s theme is "Focus on Fire: Beauty & Future," as she visits the sites of previous fires in the park, starting with the 1934 Wildhorse Fire scar, continuing up to the 2008 Soda Canyon Fire. Using the techniques of double exposure and intentional camera movement, she will capture the sculptural forms of the burned trees in their landscapes and the regeneration of those areas, as well as photographing unburned areas. Two free public presentations are planned.
 
Saturday, May 5 Far View Lodge Library 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Ellen will discuss her work and the techniques of double exposure and intentional camera movement. She will also show slides of images taken during her residency. Keith Krause, Mesa Verde’s Assistant Fire Management Officer, will discuss fire history in Mesa Verde and the recent changes in fire behavior. 
 
Tuesday, May 8 Cortez Public Library, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ellen will discuss her work and show slides of images taken during her residency. Following the discussion, there will be an outdoor hands-on workshop in the techniques of double exposure and intentional camera movement. Bring your cameras! (Ideal, but not absolutely necessary, bring a camera with manual and multiple exposure settings, and a neutral density filter.) 
 
Ellen started as a photographer in the mid 1980's, focusing on children and families. Her photography has evolved over the years, and currently involves using the techniques of double exposure and camera movement, which often creates unexpected and unique images. Ellen said, “I am greatly looking forward to an education about Mesa Verde's fire history and how climate change will impact the regeneration of native trees and plants; and mostly, looking forward to just 'being' in the park, and meeting people, both staff and visitors.” Ellen is keeping a “Mesa Verde Blog” for the duration of the residency, which, along with examples of Ellen’s work, can be found at www.ellenaugartenphotography.com.
 
Mesa Verde National Park’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program provides professional artists the opportunity to become part of a long established tradition of artists creating art in our national parks. The AIR program is managed for the park by the nonprofit Mesa Verde Museum Association. Learn more at www.nps.gov/meve/getinvolved/artists_in_residence.htm and at www.mesaverde.org.
 

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