“Visions of Nature: Aldridge Gardens Hosts Stunning Art Exhibition by Ex-Southern Living Photographers”

Aldridge Gardens is hosting a unique art exhibition showcasing the photography of approximately 18 previous photographers for Southern Living magazine.

Their images will be showcased in the primary house at Aldridge until the initial week of March, mentioned Art Meripol, the photographer who was asked to organize the show by Rip Weaver, the executive director of the gardens.

The photographs featured in the exhibition were not taken for Southern Living magazine, but the link is that the photographers contributed their work to the publication, explained Meripol, who was part of Southern Living from 1989 to 2013. The themes are “somewhat diverse,” ranging from vintage deteriorating vehicles to impoverished individuals in India and the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, he noted.

The majority of the photographers reside in the Birmingham area, although some hail from other states such as California, North Carolina, and Tennessee, according to Meripol.

Participating photographers comprise Meripol, Gary Clark, Michael Clemmer, Mac Jamieson, Silvia Martin, Meg McKinney, Jean Allsopp, MaryMargaret Chambliss, Van Chaplin, Tina Cornett, Beth Hontzas, Colleen Duffley, Melissa Springer, Joe DeSoice, Jennifer Davick

Marygray Hunter, Kim McRae, and Bruce Roberts.

An opening reception featuring many of the photographers is planned for Jan. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m., and the public is welcome to come and meet them.

The indoor art gallery at Aldridge operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission is complimentary.