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The G2 Gallery is offering a chance to experience Ansel Adams in a whole new way. The iconic photographer’s work will be on display at the Venice, Calif. gallery in a new exhibit, “Ansel Adams: Open to the Public.” From Feb. 21 to May 13, visitors can view a full-scale exhibit that explores Adams’ interest in making his work accessible to the general public, as well as his desire to preserve National Parks land. All proceeds from art sales during the show will fund the work of the Sierra Club.

“The exhibit, ‘Open to the Public: Ansel Adams,’ focuses on Adams’ work in the (sense) of his environmental endeavors, his connection to the national parks and the Sierra Club, and his desire for his work to be affordable and accessible to the public … The journey to pull together this collection has been both challenging and educational. We hope to use our story to inspire future collectors,” Jolene Hanson, the exhibit’s curator, said.

After acquiring the famed photographer’s work for years, the G2 Gallery has launched its first full-blown showcase of Adams’ images. Among the many highlights is his “Portfolio Two: The National Parks & Monuments,” which the artist began when working on assignment for the National Parks Service and finished with support from two Guggenheim grants. These works were completed during the 1940s, a period regarded by many to be the height of his career. From sweeping vistas to foliage close-ups, the range of work includes both Adams’ more famous pieces and his lesser-known gems.

“Ansel Adams is the most iconic photographer out there,” Hanson said. “His work is recognizable by all and is a household name. There are very few photographers who are known across all social and economic backgrounds. In addition to being widely known for his photographic work, Adams was a pioneer in land conservation, and he was extremely influential in photographic education … His images from all aspects are phenomenal. His compositions and ability to evoke feeling toward the images he captures is unique. His print quality is phenomenal and his personal story is inspiring.”

Definitive images displayed include Mount Williamson (1945); Oak Tree, Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park (1948); Dawn, Autumn, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee (1948); Dunes, Hazy Sun, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico (1941); Zabriski Point, Death Valley National Monument, California (1942); and Clearing Storm, Sonoma County Hills, California (1951).

The show also pays tribute to the Sierra Club’s efforts, as Adams served on the board of directors of the environmental organization for years.

Born in 1902, Ansel Adams is a Californian photographer and environmentalist regarded as one of the leading artists in the history of American photography. He is credited with helping to establish photography as an art form and encouraging positive environmental change.

Since its inception in 2008, The G2 Gallery has been committed to displaying photographic works that concentrate on nature while supporting the environment and the arts. The gallery donates the proceeds of art sales to eco-friendly nonprofits and promotes sustainability through its awareness-raising, educational exhibits.

The G2 Gallery is open seven days a week for the exhibit. Admission is free.

Visit www.theg2gallery.com for more information.

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