Photography Project Explores Faces of the National Park
Mammoth Cave, September 7, 2018—The Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center will host an art exhibit highlighting the people who visit and work in the park. The exhibition entitled “Reflections” is a summer project completed by Mammoth Cave park ranger and artist, Abigail Jones, is open until October 31.
All seasonal cave guides at Mammoth Cave National Park complete a special project for the park which is related in some way to Mammoth Cave or benefits the park as a whole. In the past, employees have chosen to write research papers, develop new interpretive programs, or even organize litter pick up days. In her project, Jones decided to inject her personal interest and talent for visual arts.
“Being an artist I have always looked for ways to incorporate art into my park work,” said Jones. “I was interested in creating a photo journal displaying the people who visit the national parks because they are a vital part of the park mission.”
In her project, Jones captured images of park visitors, employees, and volunteers. She spent time visiting and interacting with her subjects prior to actually photographing them for their portraits. The time gave her an opportunity to try to get to know each person and their personality before capturing an image. The photo collection provides an intimate view of each person and is meant to highlight their individuality and feel they have when visiting Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Mammoth Cave Visitor Center is open from now through October 27 from 8 am to 6 pm and from October 28-31 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
