Victory Park
1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA  95203
(209) 940-6300   
info@hagginmuseum.org

Portrait of Ansel Adams, Carmel, 1984 Photograph © Jim Alinder

Adams wanted his work "to be seen by many people, not just on the walls of the few who could afford it." With that in mind, he created the Museum Set Edition of Fine Prints – a collection of 70 images he regarded as superior.

"Works of art, literature, or music have little value or human benefit if held available only to the few," Adams wrote in his autobiography. "If such is not of general human benefit what are its reasons for being? Comprehending the natural world is, in itself, an act of creation and should be universally shared."

The Haggin Museum's exhibition is a combination of images from this set with photographs from his family's personal collection. Some are iconic and instantly recognizable, while others are surprising and seldom seen. But all reveal his technical virtuosity and sensitive eye.

Adams is most well-known for his landscape photography, and was closely associated with America's national parks. Many views of his beloved Yosemite and Sierra Nevada, including several large murals, will be on display, as well as photographs of other national parks such as Death Valley Monument and Yellowstone. These dramatic images remain profound reminders of his reverence for the beauty of the planet. "Sometimes I get to places when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter," Adams said.

Subjects of his architectural studies will range from the monumental Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City to a simple barn on Cape Cod. Smaller details of nature include "Rose and Driftwood" and "Grass and Pool."

Adams also took portraits, and the exhibition will include those of the distinguished American photographer Alfred Stieglitz, a mentor and friend of Adams, and the famous Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco. There will also be several family photos of Adams and his wife Virginia.

The Haggin Museum is excited to be the exclusive location for this unique show and is deeply grateful to the relative of Ansel Adams who made these photographs available and the Trustees of the Ansel Adams Publishing Trust.

EVENTS

• Ansel Adams: A Son's Perspective
  Sunday, January 8, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
  Ansel Adams' son, Dr. Michael Adams, will present a slide-illustrated lecture in conjunction with the museum's exhibition. Dr. Adams travels around the world speaking on his father's life and works and the museum is delighted to welcome him to Stockton. After serving as a fighter pilot in the Air Force, Dr. Adams practiced medicine in Fresno for many years before retiring in 2000. He and his wife took over Best's Studio in Yosemite in 1971, changing the name to The Ansel Adams Gallery in 1972. They have overseen the family businesses since that time. For more information, contact Curator of Education Susan Benedetti at (209) 940-6315 or sbenedetti@hagginmuseum.org.
  
• Art Adventures: Click Like Ansel Did
  Saturday, January 14, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
  Stockton photographer Sophoan Sorn will lead this special workshop for families with children ages six and older. Participants will learn about photography, the mechanics of using a camera, the different types of photographs Ansel Adams took -- landscapes, portraits, and architectural studies -- and more. Families are advised to reserve a space by contacting Assistant Curator of Education Elisa Barosso at (209) 940-6332 or ebarosso@hagginmuseum.org.

MUSEUM INFORMATION
The Haggin Museum is located in Stockton's Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and up; $2.50 for youth ages 10-17, students with a valid I.D., and seniors 65 and over; and free for museum members and children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Free Admission Saturdays are November 12, December 3 and January 7. The museum will be closed for the holidays Thursday-Friday, Nov. 24-25, Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 24-25, and Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

Free docent-led tours may be booked in advance by contacting Elisa Barosso at (209) 940-6332 or education@hagginmuseum.org. For disabled access, call ahead at (209) 940-6311 or 940-6317.

The Museum Store, which will have a variety of posters, books, matted prints, and stationary featuring the photographs of Ansel Adams, is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.