San Lorenzo photographer Michael Berman launches book on the Gila National Forest

For most artists, it's all about the work, rather than the awards and accolades, but for San Lorenzo-based landscape photographer Michael Berman, it goes even deeper than that. For Berman, who has been photographing the Gila National Forest for more than three decades, it's less about the work, which is stunning, starkly beautiful photographs of a land he loves, and more about the subject matter - the beloved Gila. Now, the Guggeheim Foundation Fellow has a new book coming out, "The Gila: Radical Visions/Enduring Silence," which will be unveiled in a book release party and reception at Bear Mountain Lodge from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The book is actually a two-book folio that will include Berman's book of beautiful photographs, and another with essays by authors who have something passionate to say about the Gila. Authors include Phillip Connors, Martha Cooper, Dave Foreman, Jorge Garcia, John Horning, Rex Johnson Jr., Sharman Apt Russell and Victor Masayesva. A selection of Berman's photographs from the book will be displayed at Bear Mountain Lodge during the opening reception, refreshments provided by Bear Mountain Lodge will also be available and many of the essayists from Berman's book will be at the opening reception. Also for a limited time - this week only during the Gila River Festival - copies of Berman's book, along with a print of Berman's work, will be available for a donation of $75 to benefit the Gila Conservation Coalition's efforts to protect the Gila River. Berman will autograph copies of his book at the reception, as well as at the Saturday evening event "The Great Conversation" and at the Sunday fundraising brunch in honor of Dutch Salmon...more