The James River is Richmond’s pivotal resource, historically sculpting the natural and
human engineered environs at the point where its waters coursing from the mountains
though the piedmont meet sea level.

Lately all eyes seem focused on the river as if it were the region’s savior, whereas
only in recent memory has it been rescued from decades of industrial abuse and
man’s waste. The river has illustrated that, with a modicum of care and respect, its
natural cycle can supersede contamination, pollution and neglect, re–inviting the
diversity of native flora and fauna, which sustained it originally. Who knows, perhaps
our great–grandchildren may one day try to ride the backs of sturgeons.

Whether providing adventure, recreation, hydropower, habitat for migrating animals,
potable water or simply refuge from what is man–made, this strip of wilderness in midst
of our urban center is our greatest fortune.

The James River also has the power to ignite the creative and in that regard is a
photographers’ mecca, giving focus, visual arrest or a revelation to what might seem
illusive or amorphous, even sublime or in the case of science, what is precise or rare.
This exhibition was conceived as an opportunity for Richmond area photographers
to explore and celebrate the River, to have fun, or in some cases exhibit the subject
they’ve been addictively photographing for years–the James River and everything that
comes with it. It’s my hope that this will be one of many such exhibitions, an artistic or
aesthetic bridge to the sanctuary we call the James.

Tricia Pearsall_12.1.2008