NRCM is delighted to share some of the photos by photographer Gerard Monteux, owners of Monteux Gallery in Hancock.
“I’d been thinking and envisioning opening a gallery for at least the last five years, since I was able to seriously get back into photography. Working for a living kept me from pursuing a passion that had gripped me since I was a little kid growing up in Hancock. When work lightened up a bit, I was able to get out more often into the wilderness, where I feel much more ‘at home.’ I hiked, and kayaked, and did everything I possibly could to immerse myself in the natural world. I began stockpiling images of every wild thing I could find. The result is Monteux Gallery, which is a graphic and visceral extension of my deep-seated sense of, not only love of animals and the places they call home, but duty. I really believe it is the solemn duty of every human being to act as a sentinel for nature. My gallery has a rather whimsical tone, probably unlike any other ‘fine art nature photography’ space anywhere—at least here in Maine. You can browse, chat, sing, giggle, dance, learn a thing or two, admire my work, and have a laugh, all at the same time. Is preserving wild creatures and their habitat serious business? Of course it is. But nature’s also meant to be enjoyed.” – Gerard Monteux
Here are just a few of the photos on display:
![Snowy Owl by Gerard Monteux](https://www.nrcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BHB-Snowy-032.jpg)
“Snowy Owls were a big hit this winter here in Maine. This one sized me up for a while and then determined I was a bit too big for a snack. We parted the closest of friends.”
![Russell Pond Hike by Gerard Monteux](https://www.nrcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Russell-Pond-hike-15.jpg)
“A bull moose takes a refreshing dip in Russell Pond, in Baxter State Park. That’s North Turner Mountain in the background. This moose and I got to be very close on this day. Literally, too close, as the ranger indicated gruffly.”
![Togue Sunrise by Gerard Monteux](https://www.nrcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Togue-Sunrise.jpg)
“Dawn breaks at Lower Togue Pond, just outside the gate at Baxter State Park. Then the sun came up and ruined everything.” 🙂