Dr. Van E. Christou, well-known local photographer and author of LAND OF SHINING MOUNTAINS, will present – and discuss – photographs from his recent visit to the ancient city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, which has ancient ruins dating back to 3500 B.C.
Dr. Christou will contrast these images with the modern Province of Oaxaca, presently the poorest area of all Mexico.
About the speaker: Dr. Van Christou was born, raised and received his early education in Lethbridge. Drawing, painting and photography began as active interests at an early age. Upon graduating in dentistry from the University of Alberta in 1948, he was awarded the Eastman Fellowship for Canada to do postgraduate study in orthodontics at Rochester, NY. He returned to Lethbridge where he specialized in the practice of orthodontics over the next 37 years. Since his retirement in 1987, photography has evolved into a passionate second career. A number of recent national honours and awards, the purchase of his prints by the Alberta Arts Foundation, the National Film Board and by many private collectors, his summer photographic workshops, and numerous exhibitions by galleries throughout the province have all provided tangible encouragement toward the preparation of his book, Land of Shining Mountains.