Y explore Yosemite Adventures Announces 2009 Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops

Yosemite, CA, January 14, 2009 --(PR.com)-- On May 15-18, Y explore Yosemite Adventures will lead painting and photography workshops along with birding walks and other naturalist hikes throughout the twin valleys of Yosemite National Park. John Muir once called Hetch Hetchy a “wonderful exact counterpart” to Yosemite Valley, and the Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops (www.yosemitetwinvalleys.com) will offer artists, naturalists, and photographers unique opportunities to compare and contrast features of these grand landscapes through their own interpretive expressions.

James McGrew returns for the third consecutive year as the leader of the four day event, and he will be joined by several local Yosemite naturalists and professional photography guides. James and David Lukas will each lead an interpretive hike to launch the proceedings on May 15 that will serve as an introduction to the landscape and its rich history. A two day plein air painting workshop will begin on the 16th and will be conducted by McGrew who states “Anyone can learn to slow down to see the landscape, quickly convey its essence with pigment, and with enough practice, use art as a language to speak to the audience”. Alternately, several options of morning and evening light photo field sessions will be available on May 16-20 from a faculty of well known Yosemite photographers. Central to all programs will be a focus on the spectacular waterfalls during their peak season. Also returning from the 2008 experience are Evan Russel and Christine White Loberg. Evan will lead introductory photography courses in each twin valley, and Christine will continue to energize participants of her Hetch Hetchy seminars. Walter Flint, a 25 year Yosemite veteran, will guide daily sessions ‘Behind the Lens’, and National Geographic photographer, Phil Schermeister will be directing his acclaimed Abstracts in Nature class from Yosemite Valley. Robb Hirsch will share elements of composition with aspiring photographers in Hetch Hetchy, and Joshua Cripps will also return with his insightful instruction. David Lukas will lend his expert knowledge of birds and Sierra ecology with outdoor enthusiasts who wish to discover the natural world of Yosemite. Many other naturalist guides will be on hand to share countless discoveries from a different perspective.

Y explore is happy to announce a partnership with the Yosemite View Lodge who will provide preferred lodging and serve as the center for evening programs consisting of free slide show presentations and a photographic symposium. These activities will be hosted at the lodge and its adjoining restaurant. Reservations can be made at (www.yosemiteresorts.net). A portion of the proceeds for these workshops will benefit another partner, the Central Sierra Arts Council of Tuolumne County.

Founded in 2006, Y explore Yosemite Adventures is a leading provider of professionally guided hiking tours and workshops in Yosemite National Park who encourages park visitors to connect with Yosemite through outdoor experiences that offer unique photographic opportunities and lasting memories.

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