Earlier this year, I saw Breaking Barriers: Women in the Military at Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville, Illinois. Last weekend, on my way to Milwaukee, I took a side trip to see Ansel Adams: Early Works, the newest exhibit there.

One of the most influential photographers of his era, Adams is most known for landscape photography. By capturing dramatic images from seemingly simple nature scenes, Adams sought to express the soul and inspire awe. Adams made landscape photography a legitimate art form. During the Depression, when other photographers looked for images of despair, Adams stayed true to his passion. Refreshing at the time, his photographs gained historical significance and appreciation in the passing years.

Featuring more than 40 original photographs, the exhibition focuses on prints from the 1920s to the 1950s. The exhibit also features vintage equipment Adams would have used. Looking at the size of his equipment, I have an even greater appreciation for what he accomplished.

A long-time admirer of Adams’ work, I bought several of his pictures for my first condo. My favorite was Monolith. It was taken at Yosemite National Park, a place Adams visited often.

Ansel Adams: Early Works runs through March 27, 2022, at the Dunn Museum. Nationally accredited, a distinction held by only 3 percent of American museums, the Dunn Museum is an easy 30-minute drive from Chicago. The exhibition is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions LLC, with all photographs from the private collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg.

— John Wroblewski, online writer