Alyse Dietel, “Julia,” watercolor.
The 41st annual Yosemite Renaissance competition and exhibition of artworks celebrating Yosemite National Park and the California Sierra Nevada range is on display now at Gallery 5 at Yosemite Gateway Art Center (40982 Highway 41) in Oakhurst.
The exhibit includes the work of artists from across the country and around the world who are inspired to share their vision. The show opened last month and will run through May 24.
Founded in 1985, Yosemite Renaissance (YR) is a non-profit organization that combines art with nature, history and conservation in the most beautiful way possible.
The scope of YR isn’t limited to the national park.
The exhibit stretches to include Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, Sierra National Forest, Ansel Adems Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake, Bodie, the White Mountains and regional foothills and communities.
Both representational and nonrepresentational works are included.
Yosemite Renaissance encourages innovation and while the mastery of traditional media, technical expertise, style and personal vision are important in the competition, jurors also consider the use of new tools, technologies and materials along with innovative applications of traditional media.
An artists’ reception and awards presentation was held on March 28 at Gallery 5.
Alyse Dietel received the best of show honor which included an $800 award for her watercolor, “Julia Parker.” Dietel additionally received the peoples’ choice honor with a $100 award.
“Julia Parker has been an icon of cultural leadership in Yosemite National Park for over 60 years,” Dietel said. “She is a Coast Miwok-Kashaya Pomo basket weaver and her work is highly celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its cultural significance.”
Dietel noted it’s more important than ever to listen to and value indigenous voices, “in this era of environmental destruction and indigenous erasure.”
“The native peoples of the California Sierra Nevada region have a connection to and understanding of the land that is not only incredibly beautiful and inspiring, but that is also extremely valuable. Julia not only maintains the indigenous culture of Yosemite, but also reminds us that we have much to learn about the natural world that we cherish.”
The artist said she met many who knew Parker during the reception.
“My greatest joy wasn’t necessarily winning for the sake of winning, but winning because it meant that my message had been heard and appreciated by like-minded people. As the exhibition goes on tour throughout the year, I hope that message will continue to resonate with its viewers.
Traveling exhibit
The Yosemite Renaissance yearly collection of diverse works travels: when YR 41 closes in Oakhurst it opens in other art centers across the state.
At the Oakhurst reception, in addition to best of show, three artists were awarded first place with $400 awards each: Andrew Hertel for “Sequoias, Snow and a Raven;” Melissa Woodburn for “First Frost;” and Tamsen Taves for “Sunlit Waters.”
Another three were awarded second place with $300 awards each: Andrea Morris for “Yosemite Trails;” Agatha Wren for “Arcadia;” and Brad Davis for “Egret.”
A trio was awarded third place with $200 awards each: Lisa Brussell for “Impending Storm;” Brad Bachmire for “Sierra Ecotone;” and Jodie Holden for “Morning Light.”
Four artists received honorable mention with $100 awards each: Kerik Kouklis for “Winter, Slaughterhouse Meadow;” Mari W. for “Isle in the Clouds;” Andrea Morris for “Sierra Bighorn Sheep;” and Brittany Lutz for “Ancient Beauties.”
The Yosemite Renaissance exhibit for 2025 opens at Kings Art Center in Hanford on June 12 and runs through July 18.
On Aug. 4, YR 41 opens at Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock through Oct. 10.
Finally, Yosemite Renaissance opens at MCAC Circle Gallery in Madera on Dec. 3 and will run through Jan. 29, 2027.
For more information about the shows or the work of the organization, visit www.yosemiterenaissance.org
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