Tidewater Untamed: Landscapes and Wildlife of Coastal Virginia

About the exhibition

Presenting photographs and sculpture inspired by the natural environment of coastal Virginia, Tidewater Untamed features work by four Hampton Roads artists: Bill Grace, Vance Solseth, Spencer Tinkham, and Echard Wheeler. Each presents images of nature characteristic of this area, from windswept coastal scenes, to shimmering cypress swamps, to birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.

An accomplished local photographer, Bill Grace has produced a diverse body of work that includes coastal landscapes and wildlife, reminding us of the extraordinary beauty of the Tidewater region.

Vance Solseth focuses exclusively on wildlife photography, capturing images of birds, amphibians, and insects that reflect his interest in abstraction, color, and repetitive patterns.

Spencer Tinkham’s hand-carved, meticulously detailed sculptures often incorporate unconventional materials, while investigating the complexity and beauty of his subjects with scientific precision.

Finally, Echard Wheeler’s ethereal black-and-white photographs depict First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, the site of the arrival of the first English colonists (including Christopher Newport) in 1607. Shot in medium format film and developed and printed by the artist in his home darkroom, these photographs deftly capture the bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forests that characterize this historic site.