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Light of the West: Wyoming from all angles
(Riverton, WY) – From the steaming prismatic pools of Yellowstone to the towering drama of Bear Lodge, Wyoming is undoubtedly in the running for most photogenic state. Right here at home, Fremont County is a must-hit stop on any Western photographer’s bucket list road trip. From behind the camera, sage grouse mating rituals and Wind River sunsets are simply irresistible.
On Monday, a national photo exhibition called “Light of the West” opened at Central Wyoming College (CWC). While the esteemed contributors hail from across the nation, the images themselves were all taken in Wyoming.
Mei Ratz, a photographer who was born and raised in Lander, is one of 30-plus artists featured in the show.
“One of the pieces that I chose is a representation of what it feels like for me to smell sage brush right after it has been rained on,” Ratz shared.
A second piece from Ratz titled “Cowgirls Get the Blues” frames the complex human dynamics of Wyoming life. “The subtext is about how we often forget the mental health struggles here,” she explained.
Ratz, whose work will be on display alongside images of mountains, hummingbirds, and juniper trees gnarled by the wind, is aware that her artistic process is informed by the Wyoming context of her childhood and adult life.
“I show up with as much honesty and bravery as I can,” said Ratz. “From my commentary on what it feels like to a mixed-race Chinese woman in Lander to portraits of the high school swim team, this is a place where my art has always been met with open arms.”
The Light of the West exhibition runs through Thursday, October 10, at the Robert A. Peck Art Center at CWC. On September 14, from 6-7:30 p.m., a reception and awards ceremony will be fueled by hors-d’oeuvres by Sweet Surprises and a cash bar.
2660 Peck Avenue
Riverton, WY 82501
(307) 855 – 2000
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120 Enterprise Blvd.
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332 – 3394
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240 S. Glenwood St #124
P.O. Box 4795
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733 – 7425
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302 W. Ramshorn
P.O. Box 175
Dubois, WY 82513
(307) 455 – 2625
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