People and Their Stories

"The Photography Collection
of Frank LaPena"

February 21 to April 1, 2003

Reception: Saturday, March 8, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

This show at the Viewpoint Gallery will feature works from the photography collection of distinguished artist and educator Frank LaPena. The show will run from February 21 through April 4, 2003, with a reception on March 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. LaPena will present his thoughts about collecting photography and art in a discussion beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of the reception. 

In the late 1970s, Frank LaPena began collecting contemporary photographs " I liked and could afford," but says, "I never meant to be a collector; it just happened." He cites stories in Life magazine and The Family of Man exhibition as influencing his preference for images of "the human condition rather than nature." 

Describing his collection, LaPena states, "I have some regional photographers' works from the South, and the Hispanic and Mexican photographers. I prefer black-and-white photography, but have seen some fine color work. I like Rogar Vail's work with the circus. Some of my favorite photographs at the moment are works by Jack Spencer, Keith Carter, Luis Gonzalez Palma, Manual Alvarez Bravo, and Sebastião Salgado." Other photographers represented in LaPena's collection include Phil Borges, Wynn Bullock, Oliver Gagliani, Flor Garduño, Eikoh Hosoe, and Graciela Iturbide. 

A painter, photographer, and mixed-media artist, LaPena had his first one-man exhibition in 1960. Since then he has had numerous solo and group exhibitions and won many awards. His work is represented in many prestigious collections and publications. A Nomtipom Wintu from the Shasta area, he features Native American themes and imagery in his work. He is also a traditional singer and dancer, currently leading the Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists, who are known throughout California for their preservation of traditional dances and regalia. LaPena recently retired from a career as an educator, having served as Professor of Art and Ethnic Studies and Director of Native American Studies at California State University, Sacramento. 

The Earth Is Singing: The Art of Frank LaPena will be on exhibit at the Turtle Bay Museum in Redding, CA from February 1 through April 27, 2003. The opening reception will be on January 31. For more information, phone the museum at 1-800-TURTLEBAY (887-8532) or visit www.turtlebay.org.

Artist Frank LaPena has been collecting contemporary photographs for 25 years. Photographs from his collection will be shown at the Viewpoint Gallery between February 21 and April 8, with a talk and reception on March 8.

LaPena Talk Introduces Powerful Exhibition from His Collection

On the afternoon of the Second Saturday reception celebrating the current exhibition at the Viewpoint Gallery, artist Frank LaPena spoke about the genesis of his photography collection to a standing-room-only crowd. 

LaPena began by discussing how his personal history and Wintun heritage influenced his photographic interests. He then spoke briefly about each print in the exhibit, giving insights into his reasons for selecting the photographs. He emphasized his interest in photographs that tell stories, portraying human dignity even in the direst circumstances. He related how personal connections to particular photographers or subject matter influenced his collecting. And he touched on his affinity for photographs that communicated something of the world of spirits, shadows, and dreams.  The exhibition of photographs from the Frank LaPena collection continues at the Viewpoint Gallery through April 4.

All images shown are copyrighted by the artist.


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