Photos Capture Georgia Beauty in Callanwolde Exhibit

There is a beauty in the landscape of Georgia that appeals to photographers and locals alike.

Diane Kirkland is both. Her photographic collection of natural landscapes of the South, titled “Georgia Natural,” will be on exhibit at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery beginning Sept. 14. The exhibit will also include her more recent portfolio of images, which include the layering of textures and drawings on top of photographs.

“I think sometimes people are used to seeing grandiose scenes from out West,” she told Patch, “and they are surprised when their area looks pretty. Sometimes they take their own landscape for granted, but it’s really quite beautiful.”

As the senior photographer with the Georgia Department of Economic Development for 25 years, Kirkland handled photography for advertising campaigns, publications and websites. Now as a freelance photographer, her photos of Southern landscapes have recently been displayed in the atrium of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and at the Fernbank Science Center.

This current exhibit is marked by curling trees, soft creeks and flocks of birds. It spans all five regions of Georgia – from the Piedmont to the Coastal Plains – and includes Ossabaw Island, off the coast of Georgia. It runs in conjunction with the annual citywide event, “Atlanta Celebrates Photography.”

Besides her signature landscapes, Kirkland has taken portraits of such figures as President Jimmy Carter, artist Howard Finster and musician Little Richard.

The gallery is located on the second floor of the main building in the Callanwolde mansion at 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. Viewing hours are from 10 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 404-872-5338 or visit www.callanwolde.org.

The exhibit will run from Sept. 14 - Nov. 9. There will be a reception for the artist on Friday, Sept. 14, 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited.