Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007
A new exhibit of landscape and historical portrait photography opens at the Valley Forge NHP Welcome Center on November 15. Park visitors will recognize the scenes but will be struck by the way the images lead us to understand familiar landscapes in new ways.
The images are the work of Audubon artist and graphic designer Mike Ticcino, who comes to the park almost every day to run and renew himself. Early on, he was frequently stopped in his tracks by a stunning scene, and began to carry his camera. “Especially at certain times of the day, like early morning, when a fog comes in and settles in a low-lying area like the Grand Parade, the park is just beautiful—you can never stop admiring it,” he said.
He was so inspired by his images at the park that he started posting them on a photo sharing web site. There, they happened to catch the eye of staff at the park, who were moved by the emotion of the images and the distinctive ways the artist sees these well known landscapes. The resulting exhibit is the first of its kind at the park. “The thought behind the exhibit is to inspire people to visit and to not only see and experience the historical aspects of the park, but to see the true beauty of this amazing and special place,” said Ticcino. “When another person identifies with them, a magical connection is made. A small triangle is formed between the viewer, the piece and me. An emotion is felt, a passion conveyed. That is my reward.”
Barbara Pollarine, Assistant Superintendent, added “We wanted to mount this new exhibit because these images inspire each of us to make a personal connection with this landscape. Mike’s work shows that everyone is a stakeholder in his own way in this national treasure, and that everyone finds his own meaning in this place.”
Valley Forge: Traditional Land, Contemporary Vision is open every day from 9:00 to 5:00 and will run through the end of February. The Welcome Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day.
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