Ansel Adams, the renowned American Photographer, is widely known for his black and white photographs of the American West. He is an iconic figure in the art world, having captured countless breathtaking landscapes, all distinctly recognizable in style. His images all share a sense of majestic beauty, and this exhibit was no exception. Here, the viewer got a rare glimpse of how Adams regarded water via images of rivers, lakes, oceans, tide pools, rain, and even clouds, through a collection of over 100 photographs. Ansel described the topic of the series as “mysterious, ephemeral and transitory.” The exhibit combines both famous images and some lesser-known works which allow for a fresh perspective on the artist's highly successful career.
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| The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 1942 |
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| Reflections at Mono Lake, California, 1948 |
Participants of the trip enjoyed a beautiful day in terms of weather, and a tour of the exhibit led by a very knowledgeable guide. A highlight was noted as an impressive, enormous large-scale photograph in three seemingly seamless parts which was originally commissioned by Adams for a large bank in San Francisco. Much of the group (especially the ladies!) also thoroughly enjoyed the Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit of hats, from centuries old to contemporary, ranging in style from functional to couture. With the helpful hint of a Salem local, the group was able to enjoy a tasty lunch at a nearby pub by the name of Red's sandwich shop.