GILPIN COUNTY - The Gilpin County Library hosted an Artist Reception for the exhibition “Silent Stories: A photographer's journey” on Saturday, January 11, from noon to 2 p.m.,  celebrating the work of David Thoutt.

Thoutt was recently awarded Best of Show in the 77th Annual Gilpin Arts National Juried Art Show with "Monochrome Gateway."

Harv Mastalir, president of the Gilpin County Public Library Board of Trustees, saw Thoutt’s work at the juried art show and helped arrange the exhibit for the library.

He has been taking photographs professionally for 40 years. He is a Colorado native, and has taken pictures all over the world.

He starting shooting photos when he was eight years old. His family went on a camping trip, when he stole the family’s camera and took some photographs. When the result came out, his parents asked, “Who stole this camera?” When Thoutt admitted that he did, they said the photos were, suprisingly, excellent.

Now, he is a seasoned fine art photographer with a passion for capturing the world's beauty through his lens. With four decades of experience in the field, he has honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for the art of photography. “My work spans a diverse range of subjects, including landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and abstract compositions,” he notes.

Over the years, Thoutt has cultivated a unique perspective that allows him to showcase the intricate details and breathtaking moments in both natural and man-made environments. Through his photographs, he aims to transport viewers to the heart of each scene, evoking emotions and inspiring a sense of wonder. 

According to his website, “David’s photography journey is a lifelong adventure that has taken him to countless corners of the world. He thrives on exploration and the thrill of discovering new vistas and hidden gems. Whether it's a remote wilderness, a bustling urban landscape, or the subtle beauty of abstract forms, he finds inspiration everywhere he goes. 

“Through David’s work, he hopes to share his deep connection with the world and encourage others to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Each image David creates is a testament to his enduring love for photography and the endless possibilities it offers to capture the essence of our ever-changing world.”

Thoutt specializes in landscape and travel photography. He wrote “I grew up just outside of Denver in a small county seat town, but close to the big city.  I have been lucky enough to enjoy both city and country life. Living close to the mountains is icing on the cake as they say.

“My vision with my photography is that I get to tell a story within the photograph, to express what I am feeling, to imagine the photograph before the press of the shutter and then to share that with the world.”

The show at the Library is open to the public until February 1. Visit the exhibit during the Library's open hours. For more information about David Thoutt, go to his website at www.davidthouttphotography.com.

The Gilpin County Public Library at 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk, Colorado, 80422, is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The phone is 303-582-5777 and the email is at gilpinlib@gilpincounty.org.