Art Center has Yuma Fine Arts exhibits

Yuma Fine Arts Association (YFAA) has four galleries at the Yuma Art Museum, 254 S. Main St., currently showing some of the permanent collection, plus works by photographers and painters.

"Just recently we had a reception introducing Tom Kieffer, a photographer whose work 'Journey West: Tucson to Ajo' was displayed at the Phoenix Airport Museum," said Cristine McMahon, interim director of the Yuma Fine Arts Association. The show has also been exhibited at the Tucson International Airport and Sky Harbor.

"In addition to his display of photographs measuring from about two inches square and matted in frames up to about 30 by 40 inch enlargements, Tom built a partial 'room' to enhance his show. We're working toward having artists bring something describing their personalities when they come for a show," McMahon said.

In a telephone interview with Kiefer from his home in Ajo, the photographer commented on the "room" he built. "The area in the art center is huge, and the addition brings my show together. It's a type of shelter, as many of the photographs depict."

This show is the first in a trilogy. Next will be Tucson to Phoenix, then Phoenix to Ajo, Kiefer aid.

Kiefer's photography is black and white. "I use an old Pentax camera with a larger negative, and slow-rated film. It's often cumbersome to haul the tripod, camera, film and filters, but the negative image is much richer. The negative image is combined with digital and the results have ideal detail."

Kiefer's show will be up in the Central Gallery until Aug. 13.

Continuing, in the West Gallery is the display of photographs on the "Sea of Cortez" by several professionals.

Included in the International Photography Festival on the Sea of Cortez are various scenes of land, the sea, creatures in the sea, people and architecture.

Due to popular request, works by Paul Sanasac, formerly of Yuma, will continue to be shown in the South Gallery until June 23, the interim director said.

McMahon had worked with the late Louis Leroy as assistant director for the YAFO for four years. "I took off for 10 months, then came back to work for the Fine Arts Board of Directors on Dec. 17, 2007. Jennifer Caldwell is working with me in the gift shop," McMahon added.

"We're working to get items of the permanent collection back on display, and we welcome information from our patrons about the artist and his or her work. Also, with the City Parks and Recreation department, we're encouraging children's tours of the Art Center and the Historic Yuma Theatre. The children get to tour both locations then have an art project to paint what they've seen. It's educational, and the children seem to enjoy the experience."

Photographer Kiefer said he moved to Ajo 10 years ago. "Los Angeles was not for me. At Ajo I can focus on photography. The Curley art center in Ajo was result of renovating an old high school that had been built in 1917. It now has lofts for artists in residence."

McMahon said, "The Ajo center has many artists. They have been invited to bring samples of work in so the executive committee and see what they have, and refer opinions to the board. If approved, art will be brought in for display."

Another idea McMahon is "kicking around" is for married couples who are artists — especially if they have different choices — to have shows.

"There's a lot of artistic talent in Yuma, and we want to share it with the public," McMahon said.

For information, call 329-6607.

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NOW SHOWING
The list of photographers:
*Sylvia Gomez Jimenez, from Mexico, who has a doctorate degree in biological sciences from Hull University in England, and is a researcher with the Nutrition and Development Research Center in Hermosillo. Her photography training was in Mexicali, Ensenada and Hermosillo plus a course with Kurt Amsler in France.

*Pilar Artola De Salido was born in Spain and has lived in northwestern Mexico since 1953. Her expertise is in wildlife, natural habitats, nature, landscape, the desert and flowers. She published "Latitudes," a book on images from around the world.

*Rene R. Cloutier was born and raised in Massachusetts. While in the military in the Orient, he expanded his natural interest in photography through many courses. While in the medical field, he continued attending photographic workshops and seminars then opened a studio in the New England area. This was followed by touring in a 5th-wheel trailer with his wife Wendee, throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico. Currently he's involved with the Desert Artist Group in Ajo, Ariz.

*Gustavo Ybarra started his professional career as a photojournalist in 1966. His photographs have been taken in more than 20 countries and he has been published in National Geographic and other international media. Ybarra founded Discover Editorial Group, a Sonoran-based editorial firm that publishes DiscoverSonora, CORTEZ Paradise and Mexico Land and Sea magazines. His work includes informal portraits as well as Sea of Cortez scenery and marine creatures.

*Carlos J. Navarro-Serment is a freelance wildlife photographer in addition to being a biochemical engineer specializing in marine biology. His work involves environmental management, studies in deserts and oceans, and as an undersea specialist. Among his studies have been on the endangered "vaquita," great white sharks and baleen whales and devoted to conservation of jaguars in the Yucatan Peninsula. His photographs have been published in Wildlife Conservation Reptilia, Especies and National Geographic.

*Rick Skamser and Jim Todd opened Todd Fotograpia de Mexico in Puerto Penasco in 2006. Specialty is commercia, industrial aerial photography in Mexico from Cabo San Lucas to Guaymas, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo with plans for Cabo San Lucas and Cancun in the future.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.