Image Caption: Jack Baldelli, Bison Sentinel. 2010.
The G2 Gallery will premiere Catalina: The Wildlands at Your Doorstep, featuring the photography of Marc Muench, Jack Baldelli, and Carlos de la Rosa. Presented in partnership with the Catalina Island Conservancy, the images depict the land, sea and endemic species of Catalina Island. An opening reception with the artists and representatives of the Catalina Island Conservancy will be held Friday, July 8, 2011, from 6:30–9:00 pm.
Approximately 20 miles off Los Angeles’s coast and beyond Avalon’s quaint seaside charm lies the wild and rugged terrain of Catalina Island. Volcanic activity on the Pacific Ocean floor formed a chain of islands from which Santa Catalina emerged rocky, arid, and devoid of terrestrial life. Over time and through various means, Catalina Island was colonized by all manner of flora and fauna, forming its own unique ecosystem.
It is the mandate of the Catalina Island Conservancy to steward the land, protecting native species such as the Catalina Island fox and managing non-natives like the famed Catalina bison. The images featured in the exhibit will survey the flora, fauna, and wild vistas of the Island. "We are so pleased that The G2 Gallery has put together this exhibit that showcases the beauty of Catalina Island's wild places," said Ann Muscat, President and CEO of the Catalina Island Conservancy. "As the organization that is charged with protecting and restoring Catalina's 42,000-acre nature preserve and welcoming visitors to enjoy it, the breath taking images captured by these talented artists are an inspirational introduction to Catalina's exceptional natural resources."
All proceeds from art sales during the exhibition period for Catalina: The Wildlands at Your Doorstep, will benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy.
LOCATION: The G2 Gallery (www.theg2gallery.com)
1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291-3742
Tel. 310.452.2842, E-mail info@theg2gallery.com
About Marc Muench
An internationally renowned landscape photographer, Marc Muench has returned to Catalina Island over the years to explore its shores, canyons, mountain tops, and water to capture the spirit of the island with his camera. With eleven book titles, ESPN outdoor shows, and numerous magazine, calendar and poster titles, Marc’s style bridges the popular with the artistic. A third generation photographer, Marc’s career follows in the family tradition started by his grandfather Josef Muench and his father David Muench, both celebrated award winning landscape photographers as well. His most recent exhibition was titled Explorations at the Wildling Art Museum in Los Olivos, California.
About Jack Baldelli
Jack Baldelli’s first photography assignment was for his Riverside Junior High yearbook in l961. To date, his images have been exhibited at The University of Southern California, the California Science Center, Sea World of San Diego, the Natural History Museum of San Diego and the Catalina Island Conservancy. Jack’s career has taken him around the globe and he has lived overseas for close to 20 years. His numerous trips to the Antarctic continent over the past 21 years have been in various capacities as commercial diver; expedition lecturer, naturalist and zodiac driver; and underwater and topside photographer. Jack has been coming to Catalina Island since 1957. Since 2003 he has been a Volunteer Ranger and Photographer for the Catalina Island Conservancy.
About Carlos de la Rosa
Carlos de la Rosa is a scientist who uses photography to document his research in the field of natural resources conservation. Looking through a lens became a new way of seeing when he discovered a world of tiny creatures under a loupe at the age of 7. This early intellectual curiosity eventually led to a career observing the natural world, in particular aquatic insects. Carlos came to the United States from his native Caracas, Venezuela to complete a Ph.D. in ecology at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to discover, explore and learn about ecosystems in Central America, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other remote wilderness areas in the United States and Europe. As the Conservation and Education Chief Officer with the Catalina Island Conservancy, Carlos oversees projects and programs that delve into natural history, science, and the human context in which conservation takes place.
About The Catalina Island Conservancy
The Catalina Island Conservancy was formed in 1972 and is the largest private land trust and one of the oldest in California. Its mission is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres of land, 50 miles of rugged shoreline, an airport, more than 80 miles of trails, and more than 200 miles of roads. Twenty miles from the mainland, the Island is a treasure trove of historical and archeological sites, and numerous rare and endangered animals and plants. Fifty endemic species and counting reside on the Island including plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
For additional information, visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.
About The G2 Gallery
Established in March 2008, The G2 Gallery in Venice, California, is a green art space with a dedicated focus on contemporary nature and wildlife photography. In keeping with G2’s commitment to supporting arts and the environment, the gallery presents exhibitions with eco-conscious themes, donating the proceeds from all art sales to environmental charities and hosts concerts and lectures that bring awareness of critical issues to our community.
