I failed to write about this a month ago, but I had a piece recently accepted into the prestigious Yosemite Renaissance XXIII art exhibition, held annually for the last 23 years in Yosemite National Park, exhibited in the Yosemite Museum.
The exhibition is annual and "is intended to encourage diverse artistic interpretations of Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra region. Its goals are to bring together the works of serious contemporary artists that do not simply duplicate traditional representations; to establish a continuum with past generations of Yosemite artists; and to help re-establish visual art as a major interpretive medium of the landscape and a stimulus to the protection of the environment. Historically, the arts have played a very important role in the establishment of our State and National Parks. It is our hope that they can be just as important in future efforts to preserve and protect that heritage."
The awards reception was held over the last weekend in February, and I loved it. I met some great artists, one of whom I had admired for many years, Mr. Ted Orland. Ted, a photographer and teacher, co-wrote an amazing book with photographer David Bayles called Art and Fear . It was one of those books that I would buy and give out as gifts to other artists I knew...it is THAT good! We had a nice chat and he promised me he'd send me his newest book The View from the Studio Door. Good to his word, it showed up two weeks later. A lovely and generous gift. Anyway, although I didn't win a prize for my piece, a abstract photograph of glacial stones sitting near Lake Tenaya's mirrored surface, I had a great time, saw some wonderful art and was pleased just to be included. We spent the next three days hiking and photographing many of the waterfalls and rivers in full Spring melt, the snowy trees and stones and the winding trails. Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places left in the world.
I came back with many great photos that I may try and enter next year!
The exhibit will run from March to May 4th in Yosemite, then travel northern California; to Mariposa (June-July) Hanford (Aug-Sept.) Redwood city (October-November) and Turlock (Nov.-Dec.)
Check out the website for more info...