Visitors to the Salida Public Library this summer will be treated to a fascinating look at the insect world courtesy of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The library, at 405 E. St., Salida, is hosting an exhibition of photographs as part of the university聮s CU This Summer cultural outreach program.
The exhibition, "Small Wonders: Insect Photos by Fran Hall," opens on June 14 and will run through Aug. 25. Admission is free and library hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Fran Hall聮s lifelong appreciation for the wonders of the insect world are skillfully revealed through his remarkable close-up photographs.
Shot in both black and white and color, Hall聮s stunning images capture the interdependence between species as well as their intriguing and sometimes formidable appearance.
Hall has had a diverse career as a nature photographer. In the 1940s he collaborated with the Audubon Society to produce motion pictures such as Land of the Four Corners, one of the first films of its type to explore environmental ecosystems.
Narrated by Hall and shown nationwide, these early efforts helped establish the now popular genre of documentary nature films.
In the late 1950s Hall worked for Disney Studios and produced footage
of insects for such film classics as "The Living Desert," "Nature聮s Half Acre" and "Secrets of Life."
CU This Summer, now in its 11th year, has provided programming for an estimated 370,000 people in more than 60 communities throughout Colorado. Programs range from art and museum exhibits to musical and dance performances.
CU President John C. Buechner and CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard L. Byyny view the program as an example of the innovative approach to learning and community outreach envisioned by the university聮s Total Learning Environment initiative.
Salida is one of a dozen centers hosting cultural activities as part of this popular program, which is jointly sponsored by communities for the enrichment of their residents and summer visitors.
Other places CU This Summer programs will visit are Brighton, Buena Vista, Burlington, Cortez, Delta, Estes Park, Grand Junction, Lamar, Montrose, Olathe and Ouray.
Support for this year聮s program has been provided by the CU-Boulder Division of Continuing Education, the President聮s Fund for the Humanities and the Office of Community Relations.
This summer, Chafee County will begin a year-long partnership with CU-Boulder called CU In Residence. This partnership, based on the needs, characteristics and interests of the community, provides an ongoing series of educational, cultural and service activities.
CU representatives will work with local community volunteers to implement and promote CU In Residence activities such as theater, dance and music performances, art and museum exhibits, educational workshops, lectures and business forums.
For more information about the Salida Public Library photography exhibition, call library Director Jeff Donlan at (719) 539-4826.