Art Returns to Nature

Two nationally known artists and avid outdoorsmen, painter Kesler Woodward and photographer Paul Bannick, exhibit work in the VAA Gallery opening 6 p.m., Friday, January 6. The show runs through the month. They will also speak in VAA’s Arts and Humanities Series at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8.

Woodward originally from South Carolina, has lived in Alaska for 30 years. Curator of Visual Arts for Juneau’s Alaska State Museum for many years, he also taught art at University of Alaska at Fairbanks for two decades until he retired to paint full time.

From acrylic to oil, canvas to paper, his expressionist landscape paintings will offer a selection of colorful Alaska and Pacific Northwest landscapes, many inspired by the North Cascades. "I love painting reflections of forest and water," he says.

Award-winning photographer Paul Bannick’s work is based on interrelationships between species and elements of habitat. Currently working on a second book about owls, Bannick says they are his favorite subject. His gallery exhibition however, will include many bird species.

Using a Canon 1-D digital camera, Bannick combines his eye for photography and nature with his day job in environmental conservation. "When I switched careers, I found more time for my passion," he says.

Gallery Opening, Friday, Jan 6, 6 pm

Music by Steve Meyer,  Fletcher Andrews, Jack Barbash