Nature photography featured at UPIKE Weber Art Gallery
0Staff report
The University of Pikeville’s Weber Art Gallery is currently featuring the works of award-winning professional nature photographer Chuck Summers. Summers is a Disciples of Christ pastor who has been photographing for the past 24 years. He has published three books, “Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit and Beauty,” “A Year in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park,” and “A Year in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area,” and produced a DVD, in conjunction with David Arkenstone, on the seasons of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Summer’s work has appeared in numerous national magazines and calendars. He also occasionally teaches photography workshops. “For me, photography is a spiritual discipline and expression of my faith,” said Summers. “I believe that from the beginning God has made himself known through creation and that my calling is to discern God’s presence in creation and capture elements of the divine through my photography.” “Through his camera, this artist shares his vision of nature reflected in and through his spirituality,” said Petra Carroll, associate professor of art. “Gallery visitors who take a moment to fall into the art of Chuck Summers will swim through lush colors and wander amid nature’s mystery. The experience can be both startling and sublime.” The show runs through mid-March and will close with an artist’s reception. Originally from Paducah, Ky., Summers currently resides in Henderson, Ky. From 2008 to 2013, he served the First Christian Church of Pikeville. He is married to Bonita Bonta Summers who is the deaf and hearing impaired instructor for Henderson County Schools. “I have three primary goals as a photographer. It is my foremost desire to bring glory to God through my work. Second, through my images I want people to come to see nature with fresh eyes that enable them to see God’s presence in creation. Third, I hope people will recognize the value of nature through my work and that this will lead them to be better stewards of creation. School groups are welcome to visit the exhibit. The University of Pikeville Weber Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the Record Memorial Building. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays10 a.m.-noon and 2:45-5:15 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-noon and 1:30-2:30 p.m.; and Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon. For more information and additional gallery hours, contact Patricia Kowalok, professor of art, at 218-5758 or Carroll at 218-5759.