Larry Brecker photographs the microenvironment of flowers.

Courtesy Town Manager's Weekly Update

The PV Arts Board welcomes Larry Brecker’s art to Paradise Valley Town Hall as the featured artist of 2023–24.

The Fall Artist’s Reception is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at Town Hall, according to the Town Manager’s Weekly Update. The artworks will hang in Town Hall for the next year, and will be visible during regular business hours 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays.

Brecker will also be hosting a “Meet the Artist” series, where those interested can learn more about him, the subjects of his works and the art itself. These events will be hosted in the Town Hall Community Room on Dec. 7, Feb. 7, 2024 and April 18, 2024 from 1–3 p.m.

Brecker, a New York native, is a life-long photographer, the Town Manager’s newsletter shared. His interest grew while traveling extensively in Europe during his medical school training in Geneva, Switzerland. Brecker chose Tucson for his internship and fell in love with Arizona.

Four years of dermatology specialty training in Oklahoma introduced him to pathology and the importance of subtle differences in detail, color and texture, which is crucial for diagnosis of skin diseases. He learned to look at the big picture, then to dial into the microenvironment. Throughout his 40 years in practice, he isolated problem tissue and examined it under the microscope for diagnosis. In his art, he isolates with his camera and dials into the subject on the screen to reveal its subtle essence.

This body of work exhibited at Town Hall shows his evolution and transition through various photographic techniques over the last 20 years. Brecker’s newly released book “Desert Inspired” will be available for signing at all shows this year as well.

Artist’s statement

“My desert garden in Paradise Valley and mountain garden in Ouray, Colo. solidified my love for exploring the intimate world of flowers. My emotional reaction to flora and the environs determines how I approach the photograph and then my artwork.

“Often, I have just a fleeting moment to capture the light for a perfect shot. Once I have chosen the best image from multiple exposures, I enjoy taking artistic liberty to create a painterly effect to my images. I feel excitement as I apply my unique techniques. A complex mix of light and shadows, strength and softness, with bright and muted colors, add depth and texture to my art.

“I hope my emotional involvement with my floral subjects brings joy to collectors as they live with my art in their homes.”