This year the Lithia Artisans Market embarks upon its 41st season in downtown Ashland. The market provides a venue for artists to present their art directly to the public. This month we are featuring the work of wildlife photographer and market member Dan Elster.
Dan has been a member of the market since 2005. He and his wife Patty, both natives of Chicago, Illinois, happened upon southern Oregon while Patty was working as a traveling nurse. Dan showed his photographs at the market that year and his art was well received by the public. A year later Patty landed a full-time nursing gig in Medford and Dan put his energy into growing his new art business. In 2006 they made Ashland their permanent home and settled into the family groove.
Today, 20 years later, their kids, Savannah and Forest, are in Ashland High School and thriving. The move proved to be a wise decision. Dan is as passionate as ever about his love of wild creatures and the protection of their natural habitat.
Dan spends hundreds of hours in the field capturing passing, elusive moments. Persistence, patience, natural talent, and good fortune have helped Dan curate a large and diverse portfolio of work. His photography speaks for itself.
His latest line of wildlife cards is aptly called “Big Picture Greeting Cards.” A portion of all sales from this line goes directly to local wildlife conservation non-profits.
“I’m stoked about the donation piece of my business,” said Elster. “I just gave a nice donation to KS Wild to help with their preservation efforts. Ask yourself the question, how can I help? Focus on what brings you joy, things you are passionate about, then do your part to fill the holes that need filling. Everyone has their battle, for me that is wildlife conservation, plain and simple.”
For more about Dan and his wildlife images go to his website www.elsterphotography.com.
