MCCALL ART GALLERY TO FEATURE THE WORK OF BRETT BENTLEY

Local photographer Brett Bentley will have an exhibit in the Dr. Michael B. and Carolyn S. McCall Art Gallery on the Prestonsburg campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College through April 20.

Bentley, of Lexington, became interested in photography as a young adult. He specializes in capturing the breathtaking beauty of Appalachia.

Creatively I am inspired by nature and being in it. In my eyes and heart the natural world is the greatest cathedral we can experience because it was fashioned by the hands of God himself, said Bentley. I want my images to transcend to a moment or experience theyve had under a starry sky, in a forest during a heavy rain, or atop a mountain as the sun warms their face.

While working at performing arts centers across the area, the exhibits of photographers caught his attention and began to research photography. He experimented with various techniques and equipment, and since he lives an outdoor lifestyle his subjects were abundant.

I took my camera gear with me when on outings and practiced, practiced, practiced, he said.

Bentley is a member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and the Appalachian Artisan Center, as well as a board member of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference. His work has been published in Kentucky Monthly Magazine, The Blue Ridge County Magazine and The National Geographic maps division.

The McCall Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Tim Sizemore at (606) 886-3863, Ext. 64746.