These stunningly beautiful limited edition giclée prints have been reproduced from the original works of a master draftsman, Dean MacKenzie, who was compared to the likes of Norman Rockwell. With the permission of Dean's surviving wife, Marta MacKenzie, and Jane Grunt-Smith who owns this particular collection, the Creative Center is proud to produce these prints as a fund raiser for the Mojave Desert Land Trust. Jane is the proprietor of the 29 Palms Inn, where Dean lodged during his spring visits.
"Artist Dean MacKenzie discovered Twentynine Palms in 1977, while driving down National Monument Drive. 'I saw the sign and the Palm Trees and just had to check it out,' he said. 'My wife, Marta, and I stopped and stayed at the Twentynine Palms Inn, and have been visiting here every year since.' In the early days, MacKenzie spent much of his vacation time making forays into the Joshua Tree National Monument to paint. He often paid for the trips by trading his art for board at the Inn. In addition to making friends at the Inn, he discovered the art gallery and eventually became a life member of the Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild." -Excerpt & photo top right corner from the local Twentynine Palms "Desert Trail" newspaper, written by Vickie Waite in January of 1993.
For more stories about the artist, the Certificate of Authenticity packet that is included with the purchase of each limited edition giclée print has an interview with Dean MacKenzie that was conducted in 1988, by Neva Beach; plus, a complete retrospective article called, "Dean MacKenzie Leaves a Legacy of Masterful, Sun-drenched Pastels and Acrylics" by Mervin Gilbert, since Dean's passing on September 20, 1997.
Since reproducing "Mrs Camp's Thanksgiving Day Party", Katey York came in to purchase a giclée print because she is also located in the painting being held by her, then, husband, Ray York. Marta MacKenzie (in the blue sweater holding a cup) was a new comer to the desert, so she had little knowledge of who was who. But Katey, along with a group of her artist friends (musicians, painters, writers), who were frequent visitors to the desert from New York, came to enjoy the open landscape and the Thompson Ranch Commune in Joshua Tree near Sunfair. The buildings still exist today. The location of the image was taken in 1969 at Mrs. Camp's residence in 29 Palms at Poleline and Morongo Road. Are you someone in the painting? Do you have a personal story tied to the painting? Then, please, pass them on to Gretchen to be added to this webpage... What is a Giclée print? Giclée is a French term meaning "spraying of ink", and giclée print is the "art gallery" term for inkjet prints. This technique produces a quality print with a lush, velvety finish. Both the inks and the canvas/paper are 100% archival in quality and were printed by David Fick of Idavid GraFicks in Joshua Tree, California. Interested in purchasing a Dean MacKenzie print? Contact Gretchen to arrange payments and mailing directly to you.
Price List:
"The Face of Time" 16" x 20" $65 22" x 28" $129 limited edition of 50 on paper
"Smoke Tree Wash" 16" x 20" $65 22" x 28" $129 limited edition of 50 on paper
"Desert Palms" 24" x 30" $129 limited edition of 50 on paper
"View of the 29 Palms Inn" 16" x 20" $65 limited edition of 50 on paper
"The Oasis" 16" x 20" $65 limited edition of 50 on paper
"Mrs Camp's Thanksgiving Day Party" 16" x 20" $75 on paper 16" x 20" $95 on canvas 24" x 30" $175 on canvas 38" x 48" $400 on canvas limited edition of 50
"Cottonwood Springs" 16" x 20" $65 limited edition of 50 on paper
"Monument Long View" 16" x 20" $65 22" x 28" $129 limited edition of 50 on paper
*PROFITS DONATED to Mojave Desert Land Trust "Help save open spaces for future generations!" www.MojaveDesertLandTrust.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS! If you are interested in becoming a featured artist of the month, or exhibiting display case size art (jewelry & small crafts) Please, contact Gretchen for an application.
