Believing in Rain with Stephen Bridgehouse

Believing in Rain celebrates a century of protection for Wupatki Basin as a national monument.

This photo documentary is a collaboration between ancestral builders; the passage of time reshaping their structures; the ever-changing sky over the arid basin, and a camera in the hands of Stephen Bridgehouse. The captured images bring unique atmospheric moments and landscapes of Wupatki into downtown Flagstaff.

Stephen Bridgehouse who has spent decades in the southwest, created "Believing in Rain," a photographic documentary celebrating Wupatki Basin's century of protection as a national monument. Through his photography and passion, he captures atmospheric moments and landscapes of Wupatki over a two-year period, reflecting on the historical significance of the area and the traditions of its ancestral builders. He emphasizes the importance of observing nature, particularly the clouds, and the need to protect sacred places.

This exhibition is in collaboration with Wupatki National Monument with the support of Western National Parks (WNP), a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service. WNP supports parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enhance the visitor experience, understanding, and appreciation of national parks.

On December 9th, 2024 Wupatki National Monument turned 100! Though the land and resources now known as Wupatki National Monument became a National Park site in 1924, Native peoples have been here protecting and caring for these lands for time immemorial. We gratefully acknowledge those on whose ancestral homelands we gather, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who continue to make their home here today. Learn more about Wupatki National Park

Parking: Paid metered street parking. Handicap parking spaces in the lot behind the Switzer building.