The Tarble Arts Center is hosting an exhibition of Ansel Adams’ photography titled “Masterworks” through Oct. 19.

Michael Watts, director of the center, said they chose “Masterworks” because of Adams’ popularity among the community.

“Ansel Adams is probably one of the more universally known and liked American artists, and that is why we started the exhibition of his works,” Watts said.

Adams was one of those in the forefront into making photography an art form, he said.

“Masterworks” will feature a selection of 49 photographs that Adams himself felt represented the best of his work.

“Ansel Adams is considered a pioneer of American photography, especially in terms of art,” Watts said. “Most people that are interested in art or photography have heard his name before, or are somewhat familiar with the photographs that he’s taken.”

He said Adams was one of the artists who dealt with modernism at a time when it was taking over around the globe.

Tarble is currently working in conjunction with the Tarble Family Foundation, which, Watts said, is helping to host exhibitions that would not be possible otherwise.

“The Ansel Adams exhibition is the first major exhibition in what will be an ongoing series for the Tarble Arts Center, and this is made possible by a recent, very generous, gift from the Tarble Family Foundation to establish an endowment to be able to fund exhibitions of major art and artists works, which we wouldn’t have been able to do in the past,” he said.

In conjunction with “Masterworks” Tarble will be hosting a lecture with Adams’ granddaughter, Sarah Adams, at 2 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Tarble Arts Center Atrium. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved at the Doudna Fine Arts Center box office.

Tarble will also be hosting an Art Faculty Exhibition in conjunction with the art department from Aug. 28 to Oct. 19.

The Art Faculty Exhibition will display various sculptures, paintings, drawings, ceramics, metals and electronic media created by current and emeritus Eastern faculty.

The exhibition will open at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28, with a reception. What’s Cookin,’ a Charleston restaurant, will be providing refreshments.

Samantha Middendorf can be reached at 581-2812 or semiddendorf@eiu.edu.