This limited edition giclée print has been reproduced from Dean MacKenzie's original acrylic painting on canvas, called "Mrs. Camp's Thanksgiving Day Party",    48"x 60" in size. The photo for the painting was taken by Dean in 1969, shortly after Marta and Dean MacKenzie were married. Marta is in the painting holding a cup against her dark blue sweater.

Since producing these limited edition prints, Katey York came in to purchase one because she is also located in the painting being held by her, then, husband, Ray York. Marta 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, were frequent visitors to the desert from New York to enjoy the open landscape and the Thompson Ranch Commune in Joshua Tree near Sunfair, the buildings still exist today. The location of the photo was taken at Mrs. Camp's residence in 29 Palms at Poleline and Morongo Road, which also still exists.

As for who else we know about in the painting, the stories will no doubt continue to develop, since Dean has so masterfully inspired our imaginations to take a look at who and where we are among all of us in this desert and beyond.

For more stories about the painting, the Certificate of Authenticity packet includes a complete retrospective article by Mervin Gilbert, called "Dean MacKenzie Leaves a Legacy of Masterful, Sun-drenched Pastels and Acrylics", since his passing in 1997.

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.