Guale Mesa, Big Bend State Park 

Felice House painted Guale Mesa, Big Bend State Park, using oil paints. The Chihuahuan desert, of which Big Bend is a part, has a long and troubled history of human intervention. This painting could be interpreted as a statement on the value of preserving natural environments. House may be pointing to the unique beauty of this protected landscape, especially as a counterpoint to areas exploited by human activity. The artist has chosen to focus on a ground-level view of the desert, emphasizing the hardy cactus plants that characterize the terrain. This perspective reminds us of the need to carefully observe and appreciate what is often overlooked. As art historians, we can use resources from conservation organizations and historical archives to better understand both the ecological significance of Big Bend and the social issues involved in preserving it.