Water the Gift of Life
by Judy Kramer
October 2 - 27, 2026
Opening Reception is Friday, October 2nd (5:30pm - 8pm)
Located in the Forest Gallery
Water: The Gift of Life is a celebration of water by Palo Alto nature photographer Judy Kramer. Without water, there would be no life on Earth. We humans are around 60% water, and the salt level in our blood matches the saltiness of ancient oceans. Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgi said it this way: Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is not life without water.
Traveling along the West Coast of California and also in Idaho, Hawaii, and Greenland, Judy explores the beauty and power of water in its three forms: liquid, frozen, and vaporous. Have you walked along a beach and appreciated the water's force? Have you reveled in the reflective quality of lake water on a still morning? Have you marveled at simplified scenes of snow and ice? Have you stood in awe of the clouds of a building storm? This exhibition transports you to the memories and feelings of those experiences.
Water the Gift of Life by Judy Kramer
October 2 - 27, 2026
Located in the Forest Gallery
Solo Exhibition
About Judy
I have been drawn to nature ever since I can remember. When I decided to pursue photography near the start of the digital revolution, it is not surprising that I became a nature photographer. I have changed photographic focuses through time, from wildflower close-ups to patterns to wildlife and landscapes. In addition, I have moved from camera club competition to providing images for nature organizations, to being in an art gallery, to telling nature stories through programs and books, and now to sharing the exhibit Water: The Gift of Life.
For me, photography is the art of capturing a moment. In the real world, the light changes, the flower moves in the wind, the bird flies on. However, when you click the shutter, time stops, and you can look at what might otherwise pass by almost too quickly to be noticed. In this exhibit as well, time has stopped, and I have created images showing the uniqueness and beauty of water in all its forms.
