Cliff Palace illuminated, Mesa Verde National Park
Cliff Palace, one of the most popular alcove sites in Mesa Verde National Park is illuminated during a long exposure photograph emphasizing the paths of stars across the sky. Cliff Palace was built by the Ancestral Puebloans around 800 years ago. Since its rediscovery, it has been visited by millions of tourists over the last 100+ years. This kind of use takes its toll and Cliff Palace was closed this spring for conservation and stabilization projects. It is open again for the summer, but will be closed in fall for more work and reassessment. While The National Park has taken measures including limiting the number of visitors, educating the public on the significance of these places and their need for preservation is key. Created while serving as Artist-In-Residence at Mesa Verde National Park.