Maine’s Renowned Nature Photographer Captures Iconic Images Along the Camino de Santiago
PORTLAND, Maine, May 20, 2019 – Donald Verger Photography is pleased to announce its upcoming show, Faces of the Camino, on public display for the first time at the Glickman Library with a special Opening Reception hosted by USM President Glenn Cummings, on May 31st from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
“Faces of the Camino is a perfect fit for such a highly regarded university that nurtures students from all around the world and maintains a diverse student body under the amazing visionary leadership of Glenn Cummings,” said Donald Verger, Photographer, Philanthropist and Museums Founder.
Faces of the Camino is a photo exhibit by renowned photographer Donald Verger, who embarked on a six-week, 500-mile trek beginning in France, hiking across the Pyrenees mountain range, and reaching the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the northwest of Spain. The artist encountered many people along the path from all over the world, who were making their spiritual, nature or life journey.
“On behalf of the entire University of Southern Maine, I am thrilled to host internationally-acclaimed photographer, Donald Verger and his extraordinary and prized collection, Faces of the Camino,” President Cummings said. “USM students and faculty are driven to explore cultures across the globe and this exhibit offers an opportunity to extend our knowledge from the pages of a book to a window into the world.” Half of the proceeds of print sales will be donated to USM.
Who: Donald Verger, American Photographer, Philanthropist, Museums FounderWhat: Inaugural Shows of “Faces of the Camino” Traveling Photography Exhibition
When: Opening Reception May 31, 2019 from 4PM to 5:30 PM
Where: USM Glickman Library, 314 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04103
Info: FREE! All are Welcome. Refreshments will be served. Handicap accessible.
4:00 PM — Opening Remarks by USM President Glenn Cummings
4:10 PM — Talk by Donald Verger, Photographer, Followed by Q&A
4:30 -5:30 PM — Walk the Show, Talk with Don, Get a Free Postcard Image Personally Autographed
“For me, the Camino was so much about kindness and even with all the solitude, it became evident how important kindness was,” said Verger. “It was an honor to meet people along the Camino and hold each moment precious through the lens. I’m happy to introduce the public to the Faces of the Camino and it’s my hope the show will represent part of life’s journey and demonstrate that there’s this opportunity to go and spend weeks or months with nature and birds and sky, and ultimately, meet different people.” One of the most extraordinary people Verger met on his journey was Anna Garanenko from Moscow, Russia. After a year and a half of journeying together, Donald and Anna are happily married and residing in Falmouth, Maine.
Verger describes how everything becomes quiet when one is alone out in nature, under the sky, on the land. He recounts walking at this intersection of solitude and nature when he would occasionally happen upon a person, soon realizing the importance of meeting people and experiencing the joy of their kindness.
“Slowly the essence of the Camino unfolded to me – the feeling of boundless clarity, every day looking meaningful and bright. I felt this alliance to all the different people I met — pilgrims, road workers, priests, waiters, couples – who were all very alike in their aspirations, hopes and fears. The most remarkable quality was their immense kindness, and I’m forever grateful to them for being my models, sharing good spirits, and life stories,” he added.
Verger might only spend 30 seconds with a subject, each speaking a different language yet understanding each other’s gestures, when he would take images of the faces along the Camino. This was the case for Verger’s iconic image “Eyes of a Pilgrim.” He saw her approaching in the rain, and the moment her face came into view, he sensed she was a special person and this was a matchless moment in time. He held his breath when he captured this spectacular image which is already being heralded as some of his finest work, comparable to the images by Steve McCurry in National Geographic.
“When Don Verger first took up photography seriously, he asked me to review his early work. I studied it and told him he could be the next Ansel Adams. That’s a true story, and the intervening years have proven me right. This talented, award winning photographer is one of those once-in-a-lifetime artists whose work establishes their reputation for generations to come,” said Daniel Cheever, President Emeritus, Simmons College Art collector. Cheever and his wife, Sue, will attend the opening reception on May 31st.
Planning is in process to make Faces of the Camino a traveling photo exhibit. It is on display at the Glickman Library from May 31st through October 15th, 2019. For more information email donaldverger@gmail.com.
About Donald Verger
Donald Verger is a critically-acclaimed Maine nature photographer, and the Founder and President Emeritus of the world-renowned Discovery Museums. His visionary work at these discovery museums was featured in two episodes of the PBS television series “Curious George.” Verger’s stunning landscape photography, reminiscent of the legendary work of Ansel Adams, is notable for its quiet, ethereal beauty and subtle nuances of light. Recognized worldwide for its spiritual and healing qualities, Verger’s imagery hangs in Northern Light Mercy Hospital, where it is displayed in permanent, rotating galleries. His work also hangs in the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and in many hospitals across the country. For more info go to: www.donaldverger.com and connect with Don on social media: Twitter @Donaldverger Facebook @donaldverger & @donaldvergerphotography Instagram @donaldverger.
About USM
Situated in Maine’s economic and cultural center, the University of Southern Maine (USM) is a public university with 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses online and at campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn. Known for its academic excellence, student focus and engagement with the community, USM provides students with hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and leads to employment opportunities in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live.
Donald Verger Photography 
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