The Missouri River Regional Library's latest art exhibit is celebrating Missouri's beauty and diversity for the state bicentennial.
On Saturday, the library in Jefferson City hosted an artist reception for Lebanon, Missouri, based photographer Steven Strauch, whose photos are on display in the library's bicentennial exhibit.
The exhibit, titled Across Our Wide Missouri, is available for viewing through the end of September.
All the photos in the exhibit were taken in different parts of Missouri.
Subjects range from celebrations at the Capitol, to the natural landscapes of Missouri state parks, to the Old Delto School in Laclede County.
Strauch, a self-taught photographer of seven years, said his camera's focus has always been on the Ozark region of Missouri and Arkansas.
His photos of Jefferson City, however, help to celebrate its designation as the capital city.
Strauch said he finds inspiration for his photography by connecting with his ancestry, who settled in Jefferson City after leaving Germany in the 1800s.
"When I walk Jefferson City and High Street, I imagine my great-grandfather, grandfather, all of them being here," Strauch said. "I was so honored to be a part of (the bicentennial celebrations) here in Jefferson City especially."
Strauch said he hopes visitors take away an appreciation for the beauty and diversity found around the state.
He said many people, especially those from out of state, don't recognize the natural wonders Missouri has to offer.
Strauch, who grew up in Jefferson City, is the first artist the library has hosted since shutting down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madeline Matson, library adult program director, said she contacted Strauch because of his focus on Missouri's scenic views.
"We wanted to do our part to offer something to the community and certainly art qualifies," Matson said.
The library was familiar with Strauch, Matson said, as he had a previous show in the library in 2018.
The exhibit is on display in the library's activities room on the second floor, which still hosts activities with the art on the walls.
"The artist becomes the backdrop," Strauch said. "A friend sent me a picture and there was something happening here and seeing all the artwork on the back wall was kind of cool."
Strauch said the support of family, current and old friends and previous teachers was what made the reception special.
Matson and Strauch said they were impressed with the crowd of about 30 that attended the reception.