Liquid Realms: An Underwater Photography Showcase Opens in May

On May 5, a breathtaking exhibit, “Liquid Realms: an Underwater Photography Showcase” will greet visitors at the Edward Jones gallery in Grass Valley.  Featuring 28 striking images taken by five award-winning and published photographers from Placer and Nevada Counties, the exhibit offers a glimpse into the underwater world of vivid colors, unique sea creatures and fascinating behaviors.

The public is invited to join the photographers for an opening reception on Friday, May 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. This event provides a chance to meet the artists: Nicholas Berg, Chris Cornell, Marc Davis, Doug Novelly, and Don Scott, and discuss their diving experiences, learn about their equipment, and share their remarkable photography. The exhibit will be open to the public through the end of July.

With extensive experience in underwater photography, these five photographers have traveled the world, some diving in over 96 countries.  Some began their photography and/or diving pursuits at an early age while others began after they retired as teachers, in the military, or in construction inspection.   Doug Novelly and his wife Tina own the dive shop, High Sierra Divers in Auburn and have been the focal point in bringing these divers together.  

Not only do they love diving and photography, but they all share a deep commitment to protecting the ocean’s fragile ecosystems.  As Chris Cornell, underwater diver since 1966 notes, “The marine biome covers three quarters of the earth’s surface.  There are many regions in the ocean that are largely unexplored.   In this vast expanse, there is an endless variety of marine life, especially the word of small creatures barely visible to the naked eye.”

Don Scott, a retired teacher and relatively new scuba diver adds, “Underwater photography captures glowing bioluminescent fish, pulsing jellyfish, and translucent, alien-like beings.  As we glimpse this often unseen realm, it reminds us of the importance of protecting our seas.”

Nicholas Berg, part-time instructor at High Sierra Divers and student in Cinematography at Sacramento State University states, “In this exhibit we will be celebrating the beauty of the oceans and exploring the wonders of marine life and the challenges they face.”

Marc Davis, show coordinator, sums up the spirit of the exhibit, “We are excited to host our first show together.   Through our shared passion for photography and diving, we hope to inspire others to enjoy and appreciate the oceans as well as the urgent need to to protect them.”