Photographer shows nature’s beauty in art show

VACAVILLE — Denise Tripodo doesn’t leave home without it. Her camera, that is.

The Vacaville resident, who has been doing photography since high school, has three photographs on display at the Vacaville Art Gallery’s nonjuried art show. One of them features two zebras that have their heads so close together they appear to be conjoined.

“I love (photographing) animals,” Tripodo said.

Landscapes and scenery are also favorites. Motorcycle riders also top the list. One of Tripodo’s pictures on display is a midair motorcycle jump.

The stay-at-home mom of an 18-month-old son, Tripodo and a friend headed to Apple Hill midweek to take some photos with her brand new Canon camera. She knew of a large water wheel at one ranch, another with ponds.

“There will be great scenery,” she said en route.

And, of course, there would be time to photograph her son. Pictures of the toddler are bound for Facebook, not art shows, she said.

She finds time to enjoy photography at least twice a week. On weekends, she and her husband and son often go camping.

“I have to credit my husband. He knows all these beautiful spots,” she said of her photography locations.

Tripodo, who calls photography a hobby, joined the Vacaville Art League a few years ago and has entered a handful of shows there.

The 100-piece exhibit includes watercolor, mixed media and oil paintings, and clay and wood sculptures. While most of the artists are from Solano County, gallery manager Susan White said other artists are from outside the area.

San Francisco-based artist Suzanne K D’Arcy’s work has attracted a lot of attention, White said. “Sambjro Dancers, Africa,” is done from a compilation of photos taken on the artist’s trip to Africa. Also on display from D’Arcy is “Ambroseli’s Elephants,” which won a People’s Choice award at the Taste of Yountville.

Visitors are asked to cast their vote for People’s Choice at the Vacaville gallery show.

“I am really pleased with the show,” White said, adding there are about 10 new artists showcasing their works. ”It’s all fresh stuff. New artists, new blood,” she said.

Reach Amy Maginnis-Honey at 427-6957 or amaginnis@dailyrepublic.net. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amaginnisdr.

Nonjured art show

• Through Dec. 15
• Vacaville Art Gallery, 718 E. Monte Vista Ave.
• Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday
• Noon to 7 p.m. Friday
• 448-8712
• www.vacavilleartgallery.com

Amy Maginnis-Honey

Amy Maginnis-Honey joined the staff of the Daily Republic in 1980. She’ll tell you she was only 3 at the time. Over the past three decades she’s done a variety of jobs in the newsroom. Today, she covers arts and entertainment and writes for the Living and news pages.

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