Suncrest Bank, which has joined the group of Visalia businesses embracing and supporting the arts, is hosting Main Gallery artists with changing art exhibits every two months. “In My Backyard,” a photography exhibit that reflects the wonders of our Central Valley, opens on May 2.
Years ago, I began taking photographs when I travelled on vacation and slowly began to realize that my real challenge was to see the beauty that surrounded me every day. My focus began to gradually change to capturing what was special “In My Backyard.”
In this exhibit you will see images of the Giant Sequoia trees, which grow to be the largest trees in the world. They live in Sequoia National Park, literally in our backyard about one hour from Visalia. The park is only one of two places where the Sequoias grow. The Mineral King area is unique in its own right and the image of the Kaweah Oaks Bridge is taken seven miles up the Mineral King Road, a winding and difficult road to travel.
Yokohl Valley in springtime is often a colorful palette and when the conditions are right, there are carpets of flowers as pictured in the Yokohl Gate and Yokohl fence images. The wildflowers can be breathtaking and the ride up to Springville shouldn’t be missed. On the way to Yokohl Valley, one may drive through Exeter, our neighboring town which is full of wonderful murals and side alleys which caught my eye. Go up Rocky Hill Road in Exeter, and you may see the “Peek a Boo” cows that spoke to me.
Three Rivers, our lovely neighbor, and the Salt Creek images were taken on the Bureau of Land Management Trail (BLM) a few years ago when we had more rain. Most days you will encounter people hiking, mountain biking and viewing wildflowers in season. The Blossom Trail in Fresno goes for about 60 miles and comes alive in March for a few short weeks. Then the Fruit Trail takes over and again one can see a beautiful array of colors that belong to the abundant fruit that grows here, such as the grapes grown at Fresno State. The abundance of our valley is also reflected in the local farmers markets which offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that change with the seasons and pictured in the pumpkins and squash blossom images.
I hope you enjoy this journey through “My Backyard” and discover for yourself what new and wonderful sights await you in your backyard.
Suncrest Bank is at 400 W. Center St., Visalia. A reception will be held during First Friday, from 6-8pm on May 2. The exhibition can be seen 9am to 5pm weekdays through June 27. For more information, email jeriburzin@clearwire.net, call 967-8635 or visit www.jeriburzin.com.