The Wrightwood Arts Center will spotlight the compelling work of local artist and retired documentary photographer Rick Albertson in a new exhibit this July. The gallery show will feature selections from Albertson’s decades-long career capturing powerful images around the globe, with an emphasis on humanitarian stories, everyday moments and architectural beauty.
The exhibit will be on display from July 1–31 at the Wrightwood Arts Center, located at 6045 Park Drive. A free public opening reception will be held Friday, July 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rick’s beautifully designed home, located at 5482 Easter Drive in Wrightwood, and will include an artist presentation scheduled for 7 p.m.
On display will be a wide range of photographs from Rick’s diverse body of work, including images from his international documentary travels, abstract architectural studies, street portraits from Baja, Mexico, and an intimate series of young ballerinas in motion.
Ballet Photography. (Photo by Rick Albertson)
Rick’s photography has led him on world travels, where he spent the latter half of his career documenting life in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and North America for major nonprofit organizations. His photography and video work served as visual advocacy, helping to raise awareness and support for causes such as Child Hope International in Nepal and the Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Collaboration in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Now in retirement, Rick has continued to pursue personal creative projects, including playing bluegrass music, working on audio field recordings and writing. Rick has published several books, including Documentary Portraits, a retrospective of his global assignments; There and Back, chronicling his cross-country motorcycle journey; and Lost to Lewy: Nancy’s Nine Years, a deeply personal account of his late wife’s experience with Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Several more of Albertson’s books will also be available for viewing at the opening art reception at his home or for purchase on his website at www.rickalbertson.com.
Rick’s love for the town of Wrightwood runs deep. After relocating to the mountain village more than a decade ago in 2012, he designed and built a modern home overlooking the Swarthout Valley, which he describes as “the largest creative project of my life.” The house, constructed using eco-friendly structural insulated panels, reflects his love of modern design and mountain living. Though he never expected to live in California, Rick found a sense of belonging in Wrightwood’s tight-knit, creative community. He said it’s not just a scenic little town but a hidden gem where he’s made lifelong friends, explored world-class mountain roads and enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings by simply soaking in the fresh mountain air.
The public is warmly invited to attend the exhibit and special opening reception to experience the stories and moments Rick has captured over a lifetime behind the lens. With years of artistic creativity and success, Rick has some wise words of advice for other aspiring artists and creatives: “Follow your heart, gut and quiet still voice regardless of what others say.”
Also, don’t miss even more fun art events taking place at the Wrightwood Arts Center this July. Every month they host an Art Night event and on July 11th from 4:00pm-7:00pm you can learn to create your own portraiture with local artist Cheyanne Hunter. The cost is $30 per person or $20 for WAC members and will be held at the Wrightwood Arts Center located at 6045 Park Drive. Register for class online through eventbrite. You can also learn how to make a crochet hacky sack with crocheter Viko Brenizer on July 26th from 2:00pm.-4:30pm. The cost is $25 per person or $20 for WAC members and will be held at the Wrightwood Arts Center located at 6045 Park Drive. You can register for this workshop online through eventbrite.
