Bill Dillberg’s photographic talents have been seen in many places in Visalia. Since his retirement, he and his wife, Jan, have enjoyed traveling, especially to locations where there are many opportunities for taking interesting photographs. They have traveled across the U.S. including to Hawaii, as well as to Canada and, most recently, to Ireland.
Dillberg’s photos will be on display at the Brandon-Mitchell Gallery in the Spiritual Awareness Center starting Friday, May 2, from 5:30-8pm during the First Friday Art Hop. They will continue to be on display through the end of June.
Dillberg was inspired by his father’s interest in photography and as he grew up, he watched his father apply his interest in taking pictures. During his 15 years as a volunteer firefighter, Bill used his camera on the Tulare County Arson Task Force, shooting fire scenes. He also used his position as chief financial officer for Sequoia Beverage Company to photograph the company’s special events and functions. In recent years, he was the staff photographer for the Valley Voice, as well as taking photographs for several non-profit organizations.
In 2000, Dillberg was appointed to the City of Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission, where he created a photo profile of all the city parks, and with his wife as web designer, established the city parks’ website. Included with these photographs are text descriptions of special events conducted by the parks department.
His photos have been featured in many local publications and have been shown at various venues around Visalia, including a semi-permanent montage on display in the foyer of Applebee’s Restaurant on Akers Street.
Dillberg currently serves as chairman of the Visalia Parks and Recreation and the Visalia Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. Most of his assignments now are for the local Visalia Parks and Recreation Department and the Arts Consortium.
Some of his photographs can be seen at www.facebook.com/william.dillberg.
The Spiritual Awareness Center is located at 117 S. Locust St. in Visalia, one block south of Main Street. The Brandon-Mitchell Gallery is open during First Friday Art Walks each month and by appointment. Call 625-2441 to arrange to see the show.