Nature’s Window Museum of Wildlife, Natural History & Art is a compelling center for conservation and the diverse wildlife of the world
information released; photo above: Fire-art photographer Mark Peters will debut a curated selection of his latest wildlife and landscape images at Nature’s Window Museum, starting August 1.
Eastern Washington wildlife photographer, Mark Peters, will show the second installment in a rotating art show at Chelan’s Nature’s Window Museum in its 2024 art-gallery series. The fine-art photographer from Ephrata, WA captures the magical beauty of the outdoors and memorable wildlife that populate the landscape.
Featured photographer Mark Peters studied the physics of photography and darkroom processing techniques at Eastern Washington University but is mostly self-taught.
“I have enjoyed nature photography for many years,” Peters said. “Originally, I was drawn to the natural beauty of landscapes, with their ever-changing color and textures resulting from the weather and seasons. But, since a child, my creative inspiration has grown to include wildlife, too. It seemed like a natural progression.”
“I believe that great images are important for bringing attention to the preservation of habitat for all species,” Peters said. “Especially Sage Grouse, which are a favorite subject of mine. I’ve been following a flock of grouse in Douglas County for thirty years. Their numbers are dwindling – and I trust my images can bring attention to their needs.”
The retired journeyman hydro technician at the Grant County PUD is a long-time resident of the high-desert region of Eastern Washington where he has a front-row seat showing nature’s compelling drama. His son, Carsen, has also taken an interest in photography, accompanying him on several photography excursions and soon to the Pental Region in Brazil.
Peters added. “Whether it is snapping photos in spontaneous succession with a hand-held 35mm camera or planning and waiting for just the right moment with my bulky 4x5mm large-format camera mounted on a tripod, there are always the feelings of emotion and utter surprise. I appreciate that some shoots are luck and others are a bust. You have to take it all in stride.”
Many of Peters’ fine-art images are exhibited in Western galleries and museums as well as published in a variety of calendars, books, and nature magazines including: National Wildlife, Ranger Rick, Bugle, Mule Deer, Nature Photography and Montana Outdoors. “I really like Montana Outdoors because their articles and photography are first-rate. They used my favorite bobcat photo in a recent color spread.”
“In the second installment of our summer art show, all of us at Nature’s Window are pleased to present Mark Peter’s photography in the museum’s art gallery,” said museum co-founder, Shannon Kollmeyer. “The Peters show opens to the public on Thursday, August 1 from 11 – 5 P.M. and throughout the month.
Chelan-based residents, Shannon and Cris Kollmeyer established Nature’s Window Museum of Wildlife, Natural History & Art Gallery to serve as an education center for wildlife conservation and to increase knowledge and appreciation for the diverse wildlife of the world. The museum acts to inform the public about the role art and wildlife management play in conserving these valuable resources.
“We seek to engage our guests in the wonder of wildlife. It is the merger of science, technology, and art that tell the true and complete story,” Kollmeyer remarked.
“In the museum,” said Kollmeyer, “Our true-to-life dioramas are reflections of animal habitats from around the world. The natural settings are vital teaching tools that we trust will lead to wildlife conservation. Visitors to the museum can learn about the species-management compact that artists and ethical hunters have in preserving wild places and wild animals for future generations.”
Among the new exhibits at the museum is an extensive Fire Ecology exhibition containing a wide range of professional photos and explanations by John Marshall documenting the historic fire disturbances that are common in the Pacific Northwest.
About Nature’s Window:
Lake Chelan Museum of Wildlife, Natural History & Art Gallery is located at 21285 Highway 97A, Chelan, WA 98816, north of the Knapp’s Hill Tunnel, approximately 10 minutes south of Chelan and 45 minutes north from Wenatchee. Nature’s Window is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. from April to October.
