2023 Austin Studio Tour
Celebrating 100 Years:
Texas State Parks

Celebrating 100 Years: Texas State Parks features images from Texas State Parks by David Carrales. This exhibition coincides with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the State Parks Board, the precursor to the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Department. TPW Department oversees 95 state parks and historic sites, 51 wildlife management areas, eight fish hatcheries, and numerous field offices.

In November 2023, Texas voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would dedicate surplus funding for parkland acquisition and maintenance.

After viewing the online gallery, I invite you to take a short survey. I am always curious to know what people think so here's your opportunity. As a token of my appreciation, I would like to send you an 8 x 8 digital print of your choice for your personal, noncommercial use from the show.

Reflection

When I was musing about what the heck my theme would be for this year’s Austin Studio Tour, I happened across an article about a constitutional amendment related to Texas State Parks upcoming election. In the article, it mentioned that 2023 was the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks. For almost three decades, every fall, my wife, Nancy, and I have been camping with our friends, Stephanie and Ed Coates, and for most of those trips I’ve taken my camera and captured a few “exhibition worthy” images.

I often speak of being a documentary photographer in search of beauty. It’s not too difficult to find beauty in nature, in particular, in our state parks in Texas. I am hopeful that the constitutional amendment will pass and future generations of Texans and visitors to our great state will get to experience the beauty I have been blessed to capture and share with you this tour.

Acknowledgements

A very special thanks to Matt Cohen at Austin Camera & Imaging, for accepting my request to showcase my artwork at his place of business for the 2023 Austin Studio Tour. All the beautiful photographic prints from this exhibition have been printed by Austin Camera & Imaging. They have been my exclusive printer for every Austin Studio Tour since 2016. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me with kind words and the occasional purchase of a framed photographic print.  And, thanks to everyone who came out to the 2023 Austin Studio Tour and supporting the local art scene.

Official 2023 AST Poster (left)