Beaumont, TX -- The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) is pleased to present Dennis Moncla: Freeze Frame, on view March 30 – May 26, 2024, as part of Houston’s biennial FotoFest project. This is AMSET’s third year participating.

Local photographer Dennis Moncla was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. From an early age, he found solace and inspiration in the wilderness surrounding his hometown. As a child, he borrowed his parents’ camera to capture the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the region. With an innate talent for composition and a keen eye for detail, Moncla has dedicated himself to exploring the natural wonders of Beaumont and beyond through his photography.

Freeze Frame showcases Moncla’s ability to capture dynamic images of birds in the wild using his digital Sony A1 camera and by employing skills honed by decades of outdoor photography experiences. He frequently photographs native and migrating birds in Southeast and East Texas at prominent birdwatching destinations, such as Cattail Marsh, High Island and Big Thicket National Preserve, where over 350 species of birds can be seen during migratory season. Often waiting patiently for hours to frame his subjects, he captures the perfect image in a fraction of a second, relying on his years of experience and sense of light and balance to guide his artistic compositions.

Moncla’s work has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him recognition in local and national photography exhibitions. His photographs transport viewers to the heart of the locale, stirring emotions and sparking a sense of wonder for the natural world around us. With each click of the shutter, he invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

A reception will take place on Sunday, April 21, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more info on this exhibition and upcoming programs, please visit amset.org or call (409) 832-3432.

“FotoFest is a Houston-based contemporary arts organization co-founded by photojournalists Frederick Baldwin and Wendy Watriss. FotoFest is dedicated to advancing photography and visual culture through the presentation of exhibitions, public programs, and publications.” (fotofest.org). For more information on FotoFest and to see other participating organizations, please visit fotofest.org.