Opening reception with the artist Thursday, June 6, 5-8 p.m. at the Willard Arts Center in conjunction with Idaho Falls Gallery Walk. Reception supported by KISU, FM-91, Your Ear to the World

At a very young age Willie loved the outdoors and enjoyed fly fishing, hunting and observing his natural surroundings. His desire to document these experiences led to an interest in photography. Some of his earlier pursuits were taken with his first used camera (Browning Box Camera) his father gave to him. He has had a real desire to compose and capture what he saw, felt and experienced in order to tell the story and to share with others.

When he was 20 years old he used up all of his savings to by the equipment to have his own dark room to process both color and black & white images.

He was inspired by reading “Outdoor Photography” and many books on photography. He learned as much as he could about photography by talking with professional photographers who have inspired him and by reading as much as he could find on the subject. With each processed photo and with each new camera he learned better techniques and took steps to develop and to become better. He says he still learns every day and each time he is in the field.

Soon after graduating from University of Utah he moved to Idaho. He has worked as a civil engineer for 33 years working in many disciplines including hydraulics, water works and environmental.

To him photography and fishing are a way of life and not considered a hobby. He looks forward with excitement and joy in creating new images and sharing what he has seen and learned. With his images he hopes to inspire and to promote an awareness and conservation of species.

Willie is happy to be invited by the Idaho Art Council to display and share his images at the Hall Gallery of the Willard Arts Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

He is grateful for his wife and family who support and encourage him to pursue what he loves. He is grateful for his wife, 4 children and 2 grandchildren. He is grateful for the friends and fellow photographers that have been made along the way.

Sponsored by
Linda Guay • Carrie and Jerry Scheid • Stan and Lorena Murdock