Photographer captures river images

Experience a photographic visual exploration of the mighty Mississippi River through the eyes of Minnesota photographer Chris Faust.

Currently residing in St. Paul, he has produced images that are collected and exhibited throughout the region and the country.

Widespot Performing Arts and Community Center celebrates the opening of his exhibit there July 23.

Faust's work represents a collection of landscapes made over the last 11 years. Part of this work has always dealt with a fascination he has for what has been called cultural landscape. The way that people use private and public landscapes reflects differences in local cultures and marks history. Faust's "River Vernacular" show features the beautiful and mysterious Mississippi River landscape.

With an affinity for certain old-world practices and tools, Faust works strictly with ambient light and uses no digital or electronic technology -- only classic darkroom processing, allowing all the subtle textures and tones to emerge in his work. His photographs of the Midwest are shot in a panoramic format with wide, detailed images-spectacular in both their artistry and documentary impact.

"When you have work of Chris Faust's caliber, you are dealing with an entirely different creature than what you expect from photography. These images are so beautifully thought out and, like any piece of fineart, you have a true emotional reaction to the image," gallery owner Alan Nugent said. "The composition, the range of light and dark, the dimensions all give these works a timeless quality."

One of the details that sets his work apart is his commitment to shooting on film and printing on only the finest quality cotton - details that make a significant difference in the finished work.

If you go...

When: Saturday, July 23 from 3-4:30 p.m.

Where: Widespot Performing Arts and Community Center SideSpot outdoor stage, second story of N2030 Spring St., Stockholm (weather permitting, main stage inside if inclement weather)

More info: 715-307-8941 or www.widespotperformingarts.org

Tags: arts and entertainment, mississippi river, lifestyle, arts, entertainment