Public lands are a gift to all, but perhaps most appreciably to photographers. The history of American West photography is deeply intertwined with exploration and conservation. Early photographers documented the west for government surveys and railroad development, leading Teddy Roosevelt to create our national park system, for the purpose of conserving these natural resources for all generations to come.
Early landscape photographers played a vital role in revealing the American West to many generations of Americans. William Henry Jackson, Carleton Watkins, Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter and many more were among the first to interpret and visualize these landscapes, helping to foster the early conservation movement. Wilderness had been for Adams “a mystique: a valid, intangible, non-materialistic experience.”
Today, public lands are under threat from many fronts and those experiences of the wilderness are slipping away. As artists, photographers, documentarians, and interpreters of these beautiful public places, do we have particular responsibilities to stand up for our land? This exhibit will explore the meaning of public lands for all, but particularly for creatives and visual storytellers. How will we, as ambassadors and stewards, work to preserve cultural resources, wild and remote places, dark skies, and accessible outdoor recreation?
Logistics Entries must be submitted no later than August 30. The exhibit will take place at Gallery 24 in Torrey, Utah, October 18 through December 31, with the artist reception on October 18. All items will be for sale. The exhibit space is very limited, so framed prints may be no larger than 20" x 14" (or thereabouts). Smaller framed prints are strongly encouraged! We will do our best to coordinate a Salt Lake City drop off of images for transport to and from Torrey. PC: Claudia O'Grady