Exhibit Dates: July 1–17, 2021
Native American Pipe Ceremony: Saturday, July 17 at 7pm
Del Ray Artisans is honored to showcase over four decades of photography from longtime member, Oscar and Emmy winner John W. Hiller with a special two-week exhibit. The John W. Hiller Retrospective photography exhibit runs July 1-17, 2021. The work ranges from his solitary landscapes of the American West to the tranquility of the gardens of Japan, as well as contemporary experiential imagery.
Visit the gallery on First Thursday, July 1 for a preview of the exhibit or reserve a ticket for a half-hour viewing during the extended hours on opening day: Friday, July 2 between 12-8pm. Opening day tickets are not required, but ticket holders have priority entry. The gallery capacity is limited to 10 people at any one time in order to facilitate social distancing.
John called Alexandria home for 40 years. He was an active member of Del Ray Artisans and volunteered his expertise for years as the Historian and Director of Archives, and documented and photographed exhibitions for online platforms. John was born in Altadena, California in 1935 and passed away in 2020 at the age of 84.
John was modest and quiet about his career, but this local cinematographer and photographer was the recipient of an Oscar for the 1984 documentary short “The Stone Carvers” about the Gothic architectural adornments on the Washington National Cathedral. He also received 20 Emmys for various other projects. For 31 years he worked in the Smithsonian’s Motion Picture Unit as a producer, director, photography director, cinematographer, videographer, editor, and still photographer. John also previously worked in Hollywood, for the American Red Cross, USIA, and the U.S. Navy. His work resulted in over 131 films and videos used in exhibits and broadcast media; he received over 135 awards for those films.
Here are two of John’s films to enjoy:
- “Dream Windows, Reflections in the Japanese Garden” (1995) – https://youtu.be/xWcmuk2tN7M
- “Generation on the Wind” (1979) – https://vimeo.com/161535630
Alyssa Pease (John’s wife) and Del Ray Artisans’ Karen Schmitz are curating this retrospective with over five decades of photographs and additional personal items from his life journey. There will be specially selected artworks for sale, extended hours, and additional open gallery days.
The John W. Hiller Retrospective Photography Exhibit runs July 1–17, 2021 at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. The extended gallery hours during this exhibit are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12-8pm, and Sundays 12-4pm.
To close the exhibit and honor those we have lost, please join us in the garden outside the gallery on Saturday, July 17 at 7pm for a Native American Pipe Ceremony led by Guy Jones.
The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Del Ray Artisans is ALX Promise certified and is committed to the health and safety of our visitors. Please wear a face mask and maintain 6′ of personal space.
For more information, visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits or contact Karen Schmitz (KSchmitzArt@gmail.com) or Director of Curating Kelly Postula (Curating@DelRayArtisans.org).
Del Ray Artisans, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.
Del Ray Artisans (DRA) appreciates the continued support from the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts. DRA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Short Blurb – 35 words or fewer
The John W. Hiller Retrospective Photography Exhibit (July 1-17) showcases over four decades of photography from longtime member John W. Hiller. Works include Western landscapes, Japanese gardens, and contemporary experiential imagery. www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits
Synopsis – 75 words or fewer
The John W. Hiller Retrospective Photography Exhibit (July 1-17, 2021) is a special two-week exhibit that showcases over four decades of photography from longtime member John W. Hiller, an Oscar and Emmy winner. Works include solitary landscapes of the American West, tranquil Japanese gardens, and contemporary experiential imagery. View exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA) during special hours: Thursdays/ Fridays/ Saturdays 12-8pm, Sundays 12-4pm. Details: www.DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits