The Ansel Adams: CALIFORNIA exhibit, our grand opening show, wouldn’t have been possible without the unbelievable generosity of the Adams family. Major museums around the world hope for an Ansel Adams exhibit, and here we were, working with Jeanne Adams on an exhibit that had never been seen before! How did this happen? It was all about KIDS. 

Jeanne Adams, Ansel’s daughter-in-law, heard about a regional arts center in the Central Valley and stopped by to take a look. She walked through the construction zone on a rainy day, and we talked about what this would mean for our local students to have access to quality arts programs and exhibits. Shortly thereafter, Jeanne spoke to the Adams family about creating an Ansel Adams “California” exhibit that would include personal memorabilia including Ansel’s famous tripod camera.

The Ansel Adams family was here for the grand opening, and it was grand! I think the Adams family members enjoyed the show as much as any of us. Jeanne returned a number of times, and when she encountered fourth grade students on a field trip, she sat down to tell them personal stories of Ansel’s life. What a treat for those lucky classes!

The Ansel Adams: CALIFORNIA exhibition set the standard for future projects of the highest quality. And, from the very beginning, the Carnegie Arts Center has welcomed inspired and enchanted busloads of school kids! 

Jeani Ferrari, President

Carnegie Arts Center Foundation, Turlock