Ansel Adams’ photography comes to Lake County

A new national touring exhibition featuring works by celebrated nature photographer Ansel Adams runs Sept. 17 through Jan. 8, 2012, at the Lake County Discovery Museum near Wauconda.

In the Chicago area for the first time, the “Classic Images: Photography by Ansel Adams” exhibition presents a rare portfolio of 70 photographs hand-printed by the artist, and selected by him to represent the best of his life’s work.

“The Museum Set” collection of Adams’ favorites reveals a lifetime devoted to capturing the drama and splendor of the natural world. Through these photographs, museum visitors will be swept away to mountains and horizons in places such as Sierra Nevada and sun-baked geometries of New Mexico, and enjoy them through Adam’s keen eye for the rhythmic detail. The photographs are from the collection of Anne Adams Helms.

Adams’ prints are known for their technical mastery and subtle gradations of tone and contrast. His vision speaks of the enduring power of fine photography. He promoted his techniques through published writings and workshops, which have influenced photographers through the years.

Inspired by Adams’ work, the museum will host several photography-related educational programs and events during the exhibit:

ŸExhibit Opening Celebration, 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 17: Enjoy refreshments and children’s nature photography activities. The opening event is free with museum admission, no registration needed.

ŸMaking Memories Workshop, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19: Use your special photos and found objects from nature to create a personal work of art. Details and registration.

ŸNature and Macro Flower Photography, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 15: Learn how to capture professional extreme close-ups of flowers and butterflies using the macro button on compact cameras. Details and registration.

The Lake County Discovery Museum is Route 176, just west of Fairfield Road, in the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors ages 55 and older and students ages 18 to 25, and $2.50 for youth ages 4 to 17. Children 3 years and under are free.

Admission is always free for museum members.

For more, visit lcfpd.org or call (847) 968-3400.