As our nation’s leadership shifts its environmental priorities from protection to exploitation, it is critical, now more than ever, for citizens to appreciate and explore the treasured landscapes that have inspired inhabitants of our continent for centuries.

To that end, artist Topher Straus chose to use the vast National Park system, established 150 years ago, as a blueprint for his unconventional representational landscapes featured in a new exhibit at Niza Knoll Gallery entitled “The Parks.” Straus highlights popular vistas through spectacular 30” x 60” paintings on metal with the goal of providing a personal and rich experience for the viewer, much like when visiting the parks themselves.

The show runs January 11 through February 16, 2019 at 915 Santa Fe Drive with the public invited to view and purchase work at an artist’s reception during the Third Friday Art Walk on January 18, 5-8 p.m. and during regular gallery winter hours, Wednesday through Saturday 1-4 p.m., First and Third Friday 4-8 p.m. and by appointment.