The Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon is known for showings of paintings and sculpture, and especially for the gallery’s permanent display of the Western-themed art of Olaf Wieghorst himself. The museum expanded its reach into artwork, debuting its first-ever photography exhibit on January 28. The display, titled “A Photographic Show Featuring the Art of Gary Anderson and Joe Payson,” runs through March 30.
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon is known for showings of paintings and sculpture, and especially for the gallery’s permanent display of the Western-themed art of Olaf Wieghorst himself. The museum expanded its reach into artwork, debuting its first-ever photography exhibit on January 28. The display, titled “A Photographic Show Featuring the Art of Gary Anderson and Joe Payson,” runs through March 30.
Photographer Gary Anderson said that the show was four or five months in planning, and that he had been invited to participate by his companion-featured photographer, Joe Payson, who also serves on the Wieghorst Museum board. Payson noted that the pair have been friends for around 30 years. Both are longtime East County residents, with Anderson living near Lake Cuyamaca and Payson making his home in La Mesa.
Anderson explained why this initial photography show at the museum is not so much of a stretch after all, “This is really painting with cameras.”
Anderson described his background in becoming a professional photographer, saying that he had been taking photos since he was 20, but “I have been doing this seriously for the last 15 years.” He said he has around 18 pictures in the show. He chose for this exhibit photographic art emphasizing outdoor and Western themes, to complement the museum’s ongoing displays.
Payson came to photography about 40 years ago, in relation to his work as a consultant on construction defects. He recounted that one day on a building site, he took a photo of “a poor little plant” that caught his eye. He found the picture so lovely and compelling, “It really needed something to go with it, so I took more photos.” Payson’s show artwork focuses on both floral subjects and outdoor photographs from “various, assorted locations” around the U.S., including Maine, Alabama and Seattle. Payson has 24 photographs in the show.
Both photographic artists were enthusiastic about the exhibit’s first-night catered reception.
“The turnout has really exceeded our expectations. I thought maybe 25 or 30 people would come. There are way more than that here now, and we have another hour to go,” he said. Anderson had already sold one picture early in the show’s opening night event and said that “people really need to come see this show.”
His fellow photographer Payson agreed, “The main point of this show is to sell photographic art. A percentage of sales will go to the museum, which really needs the money.”
And the photographic artworks from Anderson and Payson are impressive and beautiful. Anderson’s chosen pieces include striking scenes captured around his home at Lake Cuyamaca. Among his favorite choices from his photos are modern-day Western figures and settings. Payson said he would have a difficult time selecting just one, as the pictures of his that he likes best are of a dahlia and of a young woman’s “mauve bonnet.” Both photographers stated that they value candid portrait photos.
“You can get the best shots when people don’t know they are being photographed,” Anderson said. “Good moments for a photographer can be gone in seconds.”
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is situated at 131 Rea Avenue. The museum and gallery are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. More information is available by phone at (619) 590-3431 or online at www.wieghorstmuseum.org.
