Take me to the river

Canby Mountain, Colo., serves as a base for the beginning of a journey that spanned almost 1,900 miles through three U.S. states and a natural national boundary for more than 150 years.

The journey's end lies in the Gulf of Mexico, but the space in between is a work of wonder and pristine beauty known as the Rio Grande.

West Texas photographer Jon Smith used his Fuji 617 to capture the river's essence and diverse characteristics as the stream winds through locations like Fort Hancock, Big Bend, Lake Amistad, Laredo, Boca Chica and more.

The result was an art exhibit of 22 large, panoramic photographs that are currently on display at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland.

Exquisite detail and brilliant color illuminate an up-close-and-personal feel that inspires viewers to experience the impact of the Rio Grande.

Smith said he took the photos during three years of travels and encountered many interesting people or situations along the river.

Several times he spotted border patrol officers in surveillance and once a railroad policeman apprehended him, suspicious of Smith's "research." He said he never felt uncomfortable though, on either side of the border.

Most people have never witnessed every aspect of the changing river or its influence on the ecological, cultural and economic systems there, but Smith said he hopes to change that through his images.

He said he wants to take the exhibit on the road and encourage people to get a firsthand glimpse into Rio Grande's greatness, he said.

 "To be able in interact with these photographs is an experience in itself," he said. "This could be a lifelong project."

WANT TO SEE IT?

>> ‘Rio Grande, Bravo!' is on display through August at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, 1500 Interstate 20 West, Midland.
>> Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
>> Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 6-11 and children younger than 6 are free.
>> Call 683-4403.

ON THE NET
>> Petroleum Museum: http://petroleum museum.org

>> A preview of the photographs can be seen at www.oaoa.com. The color and quality is a much lower grade than the actual images on display.