The University Library at Sonoma State is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition "Mostly Sonoma County: Photographs by John LeBaron," in the University Library Art Gallery. The exhibition will runs through January 18 with a special reception for the artist on Friday, November 16, from 5:30 - 8 pm. LeBaron will also present a gallery talk at noon on Thrusday, November 15.
The exhibit will feature a variety of black and white photographs primarily of Sonoma County landscapes and people. The photographs provide the viewer a glimpse into the career of this astute visual local historian who has been able to capture typical moments of life in Sonoma County through his inspired lens. Some of the images date as early as 1952 and progress through recent months.
LeBaron, a native of Sonoma county, "has a great love for the powerful natural beauty of this place," which is apparent in all his works. "I don't consider myself to be a landscape photographer in the pure sense of the word. I have many photographic interests. I am interested in shapes and forms, the works of man, the creations of light, and intangible qualities that appear to my sensibilities as a photographer and cause me to react and record them."
Graduating from Sonoma State University in 1976, with a degree in Liberal Studies, LeBaron was a photographer for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat for 20 years from 1948 - 1968. LeBaron served on the faculty of Santa Rosa Junior College, teaching photography for 35 years, before retiring in 1997. Retirement has not slowed him down. He is still taking pictures saying that, "photography for me is an ongoing learning process, there are so many things to be photographed, and so many different ways to do it!"
This exhibition is sponsored in part by the Friends of the University Library. The University Library Art Gallery hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Saturday and Sunday. A daily parking permit ($2.50) is required M-TH 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fridays except holidays. Daily permits are not valid in reserved lots.
For additional information, contact Karen Brodsky (707) 664-4240
