(April 24, 2015)

Magale Library hosts wildlife photography exhibit

SHREVEPORT, LA — Photographs by Ronnie Maum, Shelby Townsend, and Toni Townsend will be displayed in the exhibit Natural Louisiana beginning Friday, May 1, in the front lobby of Magale Library on the Centenary College Campus. An opening reception will take place Saturday, May 2, from 2 — 4 p.m. Both the reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public. Passport points are also available.

Photographer Maum is a Louisiana native who has lived in Haughton, Louisiana with his wife Shirley for the past 28 years. His love for nature photography began when he purchased his first camera in the early 1980s. He became more serious about nature photography with the advent of digital cameras and began spending many hours on the weekends exploring and photographing the outdoors in northwest Louisiana.

"Nature photography is a way for me to learn about nature and share with others the fruits of my labor," said Maum in his artist statement. "Getting up early, going out into the field, toting my gear often for miles at a time and taking nature pictures is the fun part. Downloading the images and learning about new species is the educational part. Sharing with others through various media is the rewarding part."

Maum became involved in the Friends of Red River National Wildlife Refuge Group and the photo documentation of the flora and fauna at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge about eight years ago. Many of Maum's images were used in the visitor center display area and other media for the Refuge and the Friends Group. His images have also been published in books such as Birders Guide to Louisiana, Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America, and The 532 Birds of Korea. Maum has also self-published several nature photography-themed books about Red River National Wildlife Refuge and several children's books, all available through Amazon. More information about Ronnie can be found on his website www.ronniemaum.com.

Shelby Townsend is a self-taught amateur photographer and naturalist born and raised in northwest Louisiana. Growing up on a small farm gave him his appreciation for the natural world

"Nature photography is my way of showing my appreciation to the creator for all of his or her hard work," said Townsend in his artist statement. "When I manage to produce an image that 'wows' me, it causes me to admire and appreciate the complexities of life. One of my greatest joys is capturing a moment in nature that is only there for a fleeting split second, then gone. When captured with a photo, it's there for everyone to view forever. I hope you enjoy my photos. I certainly enjoy chasing them."

For more information on Magale's current art exhibit, contact Kristi Kohl at email or 318.869.5047.