Walnut Gallery is looking to jump-start its annual fund-raising campaign with a display of wildlife photography by celebrated artist Dr. Cesar Fernandez entitled “Wild Nature”. The exhibition runs from August 5 – August 26 and will feature both an opening and closing reception. The opening reception will coincide with the popular “First Friday Artwalk”, August 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Fernandez, all of the work in the exhibit will be available for purchase during a special closing reception and benefit, August 26, from 7 to 9 pm, with all proceeds going to support future exhibits, workshops, and events at Walnut Gallery. Admission for both events is free and open to the public. Walnut Gallery is located in Downtown Gadsden on the corner of Walnut and 6th St above Recovery Room Upholstery.
Sprawling African vistas, rare and beautiful flowers, and exotic animals in their natural habitat are but a few hallmarks of the photography of Dr. Cesar Fernandez. The Dominican Republic-born Birmingham resident discovered photography as a way to express his love of nature and passion for adventure. “My parents gave me a camera, and I have never had any prior photography or graphic design education,” explains Dr. Fernandez, a self-taught artist. “My style is almost ‘documentary’ as I always try to showcase my subjects as close to reality as possible.” Cesar chooses to exercise his artistry ‘in the moment’ through his choice of exposure, angle, and composition instead of relying on post-production and image manipulation. “I photograph what I love and inspires me, and nothing exalts me more than nature and the outdoors.” His nature photography has garnered numerous awards both locally and abroad. One of his photos was named “Best In Show” at the Gadsden Museum of Art’s 2003 Photography Competition while a vast collection of his work was selected for display in his native Dominican Republic in the nation’s capital, Santo Domingo. “Dr. Fernandez’ work has been published all around the world, including “DC Photo”, the biggest photography magazine in Hong Kong, and magazines like “Revista Digital” in Spain and “Foto Digital” in Mexico,” said gallery executive director, Mario Gallardo. “We were excited about hosting an exhibit of Dr. Cesar Fernandez’ photography, but I was honored when Cesar told me he actually wanted to donate the work to sell in support of the gallery.”
Visitors to the closing reception and benefit on August 26 will have the opportunity to purchase any of the work on display with all proceeds going to support Walnut Gallery. “In a time of budget cuts for the arts, we need more people to realize the value and importance of art and culture in education and in everyday life,” Gallardo added. “The Walnut Gallery is unique in that it is an all-volunteer organization that offers its programming as a gift to the community. All of the money we raise goes directly towards our various programs and events like poetry readings, art exhibits and workshops, art classes for at-risk youth, concerts, film screenings, and, soon, contemporary dance.” Walnut Gallery is also seeking sponsors for upcoming exhibitions, with a fund-raising goal of $10,000 towards their 2012 operating budget. The community can support the gallery in a number of ways, including direct donations via walnutgallery.org, memberships, volunteer work, sponsorships, and by attending fund-raising benefits. Walnut Gallery is a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.