Ansel Adams: A Life’s Work
May 23 - October 4, 2009

The exhibition includes over 80 photographs by the 20th Century master, and celebrates Adams as an artist and conservationist.

A Life's Work features an overview of Adam's work from his early years in Sierra Nevada and Yosemite Valley, to his work in the Japanese Internment Camp at Manzanar, as well as his well-known masterpieces.

As one of the most celebrated and renowned artists of the 20th century, Ansel Adams expanded the practice and appreciation of photography as no other photographer has before, or since. As an environmentalist and a vital member of the Sierra Club, his efforts as a pioneer and crusader for the preservation and protection of America's natural beauty has been duly celebrated and recognized. His legacy as an environmental activist continues to mount importance and relevance today, as his photographs and images perpetuate the vital message of preservation and conservation for younger generations.

Jo Whaley: Theater of Insects
May 16 - September 27, 2009

Including approximately 40 photographs, along with a selection of insect cases and glassed archaeology trays, Theater of Insects seamlessly connects art with science. The photographs show mesmerizing scenes with vibrantly colored insects, artfully placed against weathered, manmade backgrounds. The result is a compelling marriage of natural and artificial, science and art.          

While the specimens in Jo Whaley's images are real, the backgrounds are imaginary, inspired by the old dioramas found in Natural History Museums. By creating carefully crafted, theatrically staged sets, Whaley invites the viewer to engage with the actors—in this case, insects—allowing their beauty to be seen in unexpected ways.

Special thanks to the San Diego Natural History Museum, for their collaboration on this exhibition.

Picturing the Process: Exploring the Art and Science of Photography
February 7, 2009 - July 25, 2009

As part of an ongoing series of education-based exhibitions, The Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) will be presenting an exhibition entitled, Picturing the Process: Exploring the Art and Science of Photography. The Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century brought thousands of commercial and scientific innovations, including photography. Since its infancy, a number of inventors and discoveries have led to the modern state of photography. Utilizing MoPA’s permanent collection, this exhibition will examine the ever growing relationship between the field science and the art of photography. Comprised of innovators of the medium, both famous and unknown, this exhibition will include photographic works from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty-first century.