My favorite local artist, Jacci Weller, is showing several of her gorgeous paintings at the Bighorn Gallery at Dead Horse Point State Park from March 3 through April 27, 2012.  You really shouldn’t need any extra motivation to want to visit the park but if you do, Jacci’s show is more than enough to reason to do so.  I only discovered her work last year during one of the regular Art Walks in Moab.  In an art scene so overwhelmed with typical southwestern themes, Jacci’s paintings are a refreshing departure from the norm. 

Her primary subjects are the varied desert flora so commonly overlooked by most of us – sagebrush, cactus, yucca – plants she brings to such vivid life with her brush.  Jacci loves the desert and her passion for it is clearly evident in her work.  It isn’t easy to choose just one favorite piece, so I’ve selected two: “Yucca Bursts Out Laughing” and “Heart of the Matter“. 

If you find yourself in Moab while Jacci’s paintings are on exhibit I strongly encourage you to take a trip to the Bighorn Gallery at Dead Horse Point State Park.  Pack a picnic lunch, take in the extraordinary view of the Colorado River and canyons below, and spend some time enjoying Jacci’s fabulous paintings.

The Bighorn Gallery at Dead Horse Point State Park is hosting an exhibit of paintings by my favorite local artist, Jacci Weller.  The exhibit begins on March 3 and will run through the end of April 27, 2012.

I’m thrilled, honored and even a little bit giddy to announce not one, but two upcoming exhibitions of my landscape photography later this year.  The first, a joint exhibit with good friend Guy Tal, runs for all of July and August and is showing at the Bighorn Art Gallery in the visitor center at spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park.  Guy’s thoughtful images of the Colorado Plateau and beyond reveal an intimate connection to wilderness.  I have been inspired by Guy’s imagery for years and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to show my work alongside his in this exhibit.  I’ll be displaying two dozen of my favorite photographs, including two huge 30″ x 45″ canvas gallery wraps.

The view from Dead Horse Point State Park is my favorite in all of Canyon Country.  Standing at the edge of the rim, gawking at the Colorado River endlessly carving canyons out of brilliant red sandstone 2,000′ below fills me with immeasurable hope and peace.  Being chosen to exhibit my work at this most special of places is truly an honor.  All photographs on display will be available for sale and I am proud to announce that I am donating 5% of every sale right back to Dead Horse Point State Park.  I hope you’ll join Guy and me on the evening of July 1 at the artist’s reception.  I’ll post full details here as soon as they are available.

Starting on September 10, a collection of my photographs will be on display at Back of Beyond Books in downtown Moab during the wildly popular Moab Art Walk.  A much smaller venue, this exhibit will feature several smaller Duraplaq mounted prints displayed in a wonderful space that invites a more intimate experience with the art.  An artist’s reception with refreshments is planned for the evening of September 10.  Come to Moab, visit all the wonderful galleries participating in the Art Walk, pick up a classic Edward Abbey book at Back of Beyond and be sure to say “hi” as you enjoy the gallery.  I hope to see a few of you there!

Neither of these exhibitions would be possible without the support of some great people.  Megan at Dead Horse Point State Park has been an absolute pleasure to work with in planning my show.  Thanks for the gentle nudging, Megan!  Many thanks to Andy at Back of Beyond Books for so quickly reviewing my portfolio and inviting me to exhibit in his lovely gallery space.  A major shout out to Lew at Artistic Photo Canvas for his endless support, and for basically saying “whatever you need, we’ll make it happen”.  Where would I be without my lovely wife Melissa, who has been my #1 fan from day one?  She honestly believes I’m the greatest photographer on the planet and I would be hopelessly lost without her love and support.  I’m incredibly fortunate to have such kind, thoughtful and generous people in my life.  Finally, thank you to all of you!  I certainly don’t say it often enough but your support and encouragement over the years means far more to me than I can express through words.