Acclaimed Photographer Jon McCormack's Nature-Inspired Exhibit Opens in Santa Fe

Elements of Wonder: When Nature Becomes Art showcases the beauty and fragility of the natural world through stunning photography.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

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To celebrate Earth Day 2026, the renowned nonprofit photography organization CENTER in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is hosting a captivating photographic exhibition by acclaimed artist Jon McCormack. The exhibition, titled "Elements of Wonder: When Nature Becomes Art," will be on view from April 17 through May 17, 2026, featuring an opening reception and an artist talk. McCormack's work captures the intricate patterns, textures, and abstract forms found in nature, transforming the organic world into living art and encouraging viewers to reconnect with the natural world.

Why it matters

In today's world of constant digital stimulation, Elements of Wonder offers a restorative escape, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and experience a renewed sense of awe towards the natural world. The exhibition not only celebrates the aesthetic power of nature but also underscores its fragility and the shared responsibility we all have in preserving our planet. By blending art, science, and environmental consciousness, the exhibition creates a space where visitors can explore the intersection of nature, creativity, and visual storytelling.

The details

The exhibition will feature McCormack's photographs that capture the intricate patterns, textures, and abstract forms found in nature, from the delicate geometry of a leaf to the sweeping vistas of untouched landscapes. The goal is to transform the organic world into living art, encouraging viewers to reconnect with the natural world and consider their role in sustaining the environment.

  • The exhibition will be on view at CENTER in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from April 17 through May 17, 2026.
  • The opening reception will be held on Friday, April 17, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM (MT).
  • An artist talk with Jon McCormack will take place on April 30, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM (MT).

The players

Jon McCormack

A photographer whose work is deeply informed by his upbringing in the stark, untamed landscapes of the Australian Outback, where early life among sheep and cattle fostered a profound respect for nature's rhythms of resilience and fragility. His images explore the intricate patterns and emotional textures of wild places, seeking to inspire both wonder and a sense of responsibility.

CENTER

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that supports socially and environmentally engaged lens-based projects through education, public platforms, funding, and partnerships. Celebrating over 32 years of supporting lens-based media, CENTER provides a platform for photographers to share stories that shape our experience of the world.

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What they’re saying

“In today's world of constant digital stimulation, Elements of Wonder offers a restorative escape, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and experience a renewed sense of awe towards the natural world.”

— Jon McCormack, Photographer

What’s next

The exhibition is an essential stop for photography enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and anyone seeking a moment of mindful engagement with the beauty of the natural world.

The takeaway

By blending art, science, and environmental consciousness, Elements of Wonder creates a space where visitors can explore the intersection of nature, creativity, and visual storytelling, fostering a deeper appreciation and environmental mindfulness.