Photographer Set to Become Arts Foundation’s First Artist-in-Residence at Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos, NM, August 15, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Though Stan Ford shoots with a digital camera, he prides himself on never altering an image with photo processing software. What you see is what you get. This honest and authentic approach to image making is something even a casual viewer notices about his photography. “My work reflects my commitment to document my actual experiences. I do not manipulate my images with software such as Photoshop nor do I photograph wildlife in controlled settings such as zoos,” says the Corrales-based photographer. Mr. Ford will conduct a pair of workshops at no cost for the public/visitors, as well as a lecture and presentation of his work at 4 pm on August 25th, in honor and part of the park’s Centennial Celebration of the birth of the National Park Service.

Ford has been selected by the National Parks Arts Foundation to be the first Artist-in-Residence at Pecos National Historical Park, a multi-unit park that contains the remnants of the once vibrant Pecos Pueblo. Located just a half hour outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico between the town of Pecos and the Glorieta Battlefield, the park is launching a cooperative venture with the non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation to bring locally-based artists to Pecos to work and interact with the public for the month of August.

Stan Ford brings an unique perspective and varied experience as a government recreation expert. Originally trained as a biologist, he combines this love of the natural world and particularly the desert west, with a strong eye for forms and abstract play of light and an acute color sense to make his remarkable images. Mr. Ford also has a Masters of Arts in Natural Resources, as well as leadership training with Ken Blanchard and the Disney Institute.

During his tenure at Pecos, Mr. Ford will conduct two distinct public workshops where he will teach visitors to use their cameras to get unique and noteworthy images of this culturally significant anthropological site. Says Ford: “I want to share my approach with visitors to the park so they, too, will capture unique images for themselves. I want them to ‘see’ not just ‘look’.” To guide visitors to see beyond the usual and casual eye of the tourist is what delights Mr. Ford in his public outreach.

The Park’s Superintendent, Karl Cordova, is looking forward to seeing the ways that different artists interpret the variety of resources at Pecos NHP. Says Cordova: "Art is very useful to help the public see resources and understand history in a way that broadens the mind and appreciates the park. We are very glad that Mr. Ford is here to help all of us further explore this magnificent site."

Mr. Ford’s Events are as follows:

Saturday, August 20th – 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fun with Fundamentals of Photography
Mr. Ford will guide visitors in their exploration of composition and exposure as they photograph the Forked Lightning Ranch. This program is limited to six participants. Please call 505-757-7203 for more information and to reserve a spot.

Thursday, August 25th – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Finale Presentation and Open House
Stan Ford will speak about his residency, photography, and art process in a special presentation at 4:00 pm in the Pecos National Historical Park Kiva Theater as part of the park’s NPS Centennial (1916-2016) Celebration. August 25th is the actual 100th birthday of NPS, and along with Mr. Ford’s presentation, the park is hosting an Open House from 5:00-7:30, with light food, refreshments and live music by Lone Piñon, an acoustic trio from Santa Fe.


Tuesday, August 30th – 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Stars from the Park
This photography workshop will take place in the moonlight as Mr. Ford shows a select group how to make the most of the dramatic effects of long exposures after dark. This program is limited to 12 participants. Please call 505-757-7203 for more information and to reserve a spot.

Pecos National Historical Park originated in 1960 as a National Historic Landmark, to preserve the core of the Pueblo of Ciquique (Pecos) and its Mission, la Mission de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos, and over the last 30 years has grown to include the famed Glorieta Pass Battlefield, which was the site of the famed ‘Gettysburg of the West’, were Union Forces defeated a larger and better trained Confederate force from Texas that was moving north to capture Coloradan gold fields.

The National Parks Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated nationwide to the promotion of the National Parks of the U.S. by creating dynamic opportunities for artworks that are based in our natural and historic heritage. This project is supported entirely by donations from citizen lovers of the Arts, and generous partnerships. For more information on how you can support the Pecos National Historical Park Artist-in-Residence and other NPAF arts programs Nationwide visit www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org or email admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org.

Contacts:
NPAF: admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org
505-715-6492
Contact
National Parks Arts Foundation
Cecilia Wainright
505-715-6492
nationalparksartsfoundation.org
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