“Wildlife Photography,” an exhibit by Dennis Wright, will be on display in the Ashford University Cortona Art Gallery from April 19-30. A reception for the artist is planned for Thursday, April 22 from 4-6 p.m. in the Gallery. 

Wright is a photographer and naturalist of Cherokee descent who lives in the Northwest Corner of Illinois in the Mississippi River Valley.  With over 42 years of photography experience, Wright has photographed several commercial and high-fashion projects to include department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord and Taylor, and has partnered with National Geographic as a freelance wildlife photographer. The Cortona Art Gallery will exhibit Wright’s wildlife photos from his numerous travel adventures.  

“As a Native American, I grew up around wildlife and all of my work now, and then, is essentially a representation of my soul and how I see life,” Wright said. “My pictures explain what I’m feeling at that moment.”   

Wright has a photography business in Illinois where he concentrates on wedding and senior photography.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in commercial photography from Georgia State University. 

The Cortona Art Gallery is located on the second floor of Ashford University’s Clare Hall at 400 North Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. The Gallery is named for Sister Cortona Phelan, OSF, former president of Mount St. Clare College (MSC) and former president of the Sisters of St. Francis.  For many years, Sister Cortona influenced the quality of education at the College through her teaching of American history and her love of the arts.  She also served as MSC Academy Principal and as Dean of Students at the College.

The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge, every weekday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and for private showings by appointment. For further information, please call 563.242.4023.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.