This year's Nature Photography Exhibition currently dots the walls on the upper level of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, BYU campus, Provo. Quite an idyllic setting - where "the buffalo roam, and the deer and the antelope play." In fact, one of the categories is "wildlife." The others are: Nature scenic views, abstracts of nature and black-and-white photography.
Sponsored by the museum and Utah County Photography, this year's exhibit consists of 300 entries selected from 348 submitted by Utahns, most of whom reside in Utah County.Best of show and first, second and third place awards were chosen by John Telford, Robert Barrett and Stan MacBean, three professional photographers or designers selected by the Utah County Photography Club. In addition, three other major and 30 honorable-mention awards were presented - totaling about 50 winning entries.
Russell D. Gunther, who won best of show last year, captured four awards this year: A first-place award in the nature category; first- and second for his scenic views; and an honorable mention.
Other first-place awards went to Ema Barrus (black-and-white), Owen Black (abstract) and Cal Robertson (wildlife).
"Yellow-headed Blackbird" by Walt Alder won the Friends of the Museum Choice; "Three Trees" by R. Leon Dean, the Bean Museum Purchase Award; and "Sunset - Great Salt Lake" by Lou Braun, the Best-of-Show Award.
This exhibit remains at the Bean Museum through Sept. 17. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the exhibit - and the museum - is free.
- On Friday, Aug. 19, the Salt Lake Gallery Association will host Gallery Stroll Night. Participating this month are 11 member galleries: Art Access, Artspace Artists Association, Dolores Chase Fine Art, Gallery 56, Hippodrome, Marble House, Moon Flower, Repartee Gallery (ZCMI Center), Salt Lake Art Center, Southam and Tivoli. These, plus two Phantom galleries (55 Exchange Place and 44 E. Broadway), will be open from 6-9 p.m. Maps are available at all of the above galleries.
- The National Wildlife Art Museum (NWAM) will open its new facility in Jackson Hole, Wyo., on Sept. 12. The first exhibit to be spotlighted there will be an exhibition by William Albert Allard. Titled "Vanishing Breed," the exhibit reflects his passion for the West in 24 large format photographs recording the struggle, hardship, hope and determination of the cowboy. The new museum facility will be at 100 Rungius Road in Jackson Hole (two miles north of town). For details, call 1-307-733-5771.
- Lectures, workshops, classes and meetings:
Aug. 8-12 (KAC, Park City, 649-8882) - "Ceramic Tile Painting" workshop with Lark Lucas.
Aug. 15-18 (KAC, Park City, 649-8882) - "Ceramic Art II" workshop with Lark Lucas.
Tuesday, Aug. 16 (7 p.m., Brigham City Museum-Gallery (24 N. 300 West, Brigham City, 723-6769) - Gallery talks by Jen Shurtliff on "Personal Expression Coming Through Tradition," and Judith Elsley on "Voices from the Marginal Groups."