Art Beat: Exhibit features local nature photographers

By Margreth Downing

The latest show at the River Falls City Hall Gallery features photography by Tammy Wolfe and Betty Most. It features great photos of wildlife, the results of persistent searching, hiking, a great network and a passion for capturing things like owlets and kits in their natural habitat. Most claims this is her inaugural exhibition. Wolfe comes with an impressive set of credits to her photographic prowess. They both present images that take the viewer to landscapes and wildlife many of us wish to be lucky enough to encounter.

The question at hand is how did Wolfe and Most manage to take these incredible photos? Betty’s bio includes a mother with a love of bird watching and 4-H competition in photography; while Tammy’s story shares how she had a lifelong love of animals and received a great gift of a camera when she was 10 years old.

Their cameras include long lenses that allow respectful space for wild subjects. Wolfe has a Cannon R5 Mark II and Most has a Canon R7 with a Canon RF 100-500 mm zoom lens.  Both use mirrorless cameras with telephoto zoom lens.

In addition to the City Hall Gallery, Wolfe and Most have joined the elite group of local artists who have adorned utility boxes with their art. The Journal’s accompanying photo shows both photographers posing in front of a utility box at the corner of Pine and Clark Streets that features their photos. Not too far there, a little closer to the Kinni, by the Depot, you’ll find their other utility box.  Most notes that the fox and kits adorning this box had become neighborhood pets that they had enjoyed watching play and grow.

Tammy’s photos come framed in maple wood or reclaimed barnwood with Tru-Value glass and conservation mats. Her photos cost $100. Betty’s photos are a little smaller in size and range from $75-$90. They are also framed in Tru-Value glass and conservation mats. Economy shoppers will find a great selection of their 8×8 canvas prints hung on twine and barn wood slates for $20 each.

Art’s House Gallery (127 M. Main St., River Falls) is looking forward to hosting the UWRF artists and their instructor, Hannah Freeman the last week of October. They plan on taking over the gallery for Halloween starting Wednesday, Oct. 29 with a reception from 4-6 p.m.  Art’s House hours are 2-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.