Lyceum Program Presents James Frank Celebrating Inspiration, Photographs of Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: May 11, 2009
Contact: Kyle Patterson, 970-586-1363

2009 Lyceum Series - Celebrate our Natural World: Artists Who Are Inspired by the Environment

Saturday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. - Celebrating Inspiration
Thirty-year Estes Park resident and photographer, James Frank, will present a visual celebration of photographs at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, in the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at Rocky Mountain National Park. The presentation is the outcome of decades of one photographer’s effort and experience in making memorable images of this beloved national park. Frank has come to discover that this accessible wilderness is a sensual treasure chest, a delight (and at times, challenge) for the senses, a resource of thought and a wellspring of inspiration, not only for artists or philosophers, but for everyone.

Landscapes, skies, peaks, lakes, rivers, wildflowers and wildlife will all be featured. As an extra treat, photos of the park’s sister, Tatra National Park, shared by both Slovakia and Poland in eastern Europe, will be shown. Frank will describe the creation of his two recent books, co-authored with R. Paul Firnhaber, Magic in the Mountains: Estes Park, Colorado, and the soon-to-be-released Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado’s Living Legacy. Join us in celebrating nature’s inspiration with this awe-inspiring display of image and word. Frank will show many of his favorite photographs, those which speak to the grandeur and subtlety of one of America’s most spectacular national parks.

James Frank is an interpreter of nature and creator of simple and dynamic images. His photographs display a thoughtful understanding of the nuances of light and atmosphere, and their effect upon tone, color and the expression of a subject. Practicing keen observation of our natural world, he combines an extraordinary eye for design with patience and determination when making photographs. For thirty years James has lived near Rocky Mountain National Park, photographing the unique beauty of this majestic place in all its moods and seasons.

The photographs of James Frank have been published editorially in numerous books and magazines. His commercial credits include such clients as LL Bean, American Express, Denver Mattress Company, DuPont and many more. Currently, many of Frank’s photographs are represented world wide by Stock Connection in Rockville, Maryland. He and his wife, Tamara Jarolimek, are co-owners of James Frank Photography, Inc., a stock and assignment photo company, Estes Park Vacationland, the magazine guide for Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, and Our Natural Heritage Publishing, LLC. 

There have been five books published about Colorado places featuring Frank’s work. The most recent, Magic in the Mountains: Estes Park, Colorado, is graced with over 300 photographs and includes text by R. Paul Firnhaber, another long-time Estes Park resident and accomplished author. Three other titles - James Frank’s Colorado, A Portrait of Rocky Mountain National Park and A Portrait of Pikes Peak Country, quickly became regional best sellers upon their earlier releases.

Admirers have described his photographs as “poetic,” “lyrical,” and “spiritual.” With his photographs, Frank strives to engage the viewer through emotion, recollection and intellect. His photographs excel at telling stories, showing natural wonders, illustrating concepts and sharing decisive moments. Through photography he successfully blends visual artistry and a desire to communicate with his love for the outdoors.

The theme of the 2009 Lyceum Series is “Celebrate our Natural World: Artists Who Are Inspired by the Environment.” This year’s series has a cultural focus. The presentations will highlight how the natural world influences and inspires artists. Artists of all types: singers, musicians, painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, performance artists, writers, quilters and photographers will be involved in this year’s Lyceum.

The Lyceum schedule runs through May 16, 2009.  Financial support for the lyceum series is provided by the park’s nonprofit partner, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. Programs are free and open to the public. They are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium in Rocky Mountain National Park. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call [phone].