Environmental Artist Tony Winters Paints Arizona's Last Wild Rivers

PHOENIX - Jan. 13, 2019 - PRLog -- Place:  Arizona Capitol Museum, now through March 28, 2018. The Arizona Capitol Museum is located at 1700 E. Washington Street, Phoenix 85007.

Art Exhibition Speaks to AZ Legislature as it Considers "Ecological Waters" Bill in Early 2019. Extended by the Arizona Capitol Museum to new Legislative Session.

The Arizona Capitol Museum (AZCM) is proud to extend its exhibition of nationally recognized environmental landscape artist Tony Winters. His exhibition "Renegades: Arizona's Undammed Rivers" refers to Arizona's last two "wild" rivers that have never been dammed, the Upper Verde and the San Pedro. Winters documents the remote desert rivers as they appear today, from the Mexican border crossing to the rugged canyons of Yavapai County.

The show has been extended by the Museum so the Arizona State Legislature can view the paintings as debate begins on proposals to encourage preservation of riparian wildlife and forests – the subject of these artworks.

"The fact these two rivers still run free, much as they did before Arizona became a US Territory, is something to be celebrated, and that's what this project is about," says Winters.

Winters believes in addressing highly political issues in a non-political way. He says, "Ultimately, I believe people feel love and protectiveness for places they know and find beautiful."

The title "Renegades" refers to the rivers' freedom from dams as well as to the rebels and renegades who have taken refuge in their remote landscapes throughout history.

With the help of guides from the Water Sentinels group, Winters hiked into remote areas along each river, locating sites to paint that are significant for their wildlife, ecology or scenic beauty.

River preservation is at the forefront of environmental focus in the west, shown by Los Angeles leading the way with the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration. Winters hopes to draw attention to the cause of river preservation in Arizona.

The project was conceived in 2016 with the late Dr. Jack August, historian and foremost chronicler of water history in Arizona.

Tony Winters' is a prize-winning classically trained contemporary artist who continues the naturalist landscape art tradition of the Hudson River School painters. Winters has exhibited his work nationally and has been featured in both online and print publications.

"Renegades: Arizona's Undammed Rivers" will be on display at the Arizona Capitol Museum through March 28, 2018. The Arizona Capitol Museum is located at 1700 E. Washington Street, Phoenix 85007.

To arrange interviews with Tony Winters, the Arizona Capitol Museum, or to request promotional images, please use the information below. Information for the public about the AZCM, can be found at our website: http://www.azlibrary.gov/azcm or by calling 602-926-3620.

Artist's contact info: Tony Winters Studio, Website: www.tonywintersfineart.com