Why the venture of opening a fine-art photography gallery in a small mountain town?

In Scott’s words, “Well, it’s for the love of the craft. For making art by hand. It’s my little contribution to the effort to take photography back from the machines. Ask any photographer or artist why they pursue their craft. You’ll get myriad responses, but none of them will include wanting to engage in a battle of attrition with diminishing returns against a moving algorithmic target. Social media, the matrix by which so many of us are measured and judged, is a terrible venue for art. More and more, it dictates what kind of work we should create, and how we should put it out in the world. It stifles creativity, rewards shock value, and trains the viewer to expect simplistic, rapid digestion.”

But if you can create the right physical space, a welcoming, peaceful space where time slows down just a little bit, and you fill the space with thoughtfully curated and beautifully crafted art, you can create an environment where photography returns to its glory as an art form that inspires closer inspection, inspiration and introspection.

And over the last year, and thanks to the support of the community, we’ve done just that.

In early 2023, the space Scott had been waiting for became available in the heart of old-town North Bend, WA. Perfect size, perfect location, beautiful building. Everything he had been hoping for during the previous 7 years of working and building community in this town.

The Scott Rinckenberger Gallery doors opened July 15th, 2023 and it’s been a wonderful ride so far.

From a downright charming Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting, to community appreciation events, the space has been a busy and energizing place. We’ve invited special guests from North Bend organizations like Seattle Mountain Rescue, Northwest Avalanche Association, ProSki Guiding Service and students from the Mt Si High Photography Class to join us in our community, ‘Gather at the Gallery’ events. Not to mention the seasonal art show openings! We’ve showcased 4 new art openings featuring uniquely curated bodies of Scott’s work over the last year, earning exceptional coverage from the local media like Living Snoqualmie, King 5 Evening Edition and the Snoqualmie Valley Record to gold star a few.

Step inside to inspire your next steps outside

The vision continues to build, and for those who are sick of scrolling through endless gloss, and yet still love photography, we invite you to step into the gallery.

And, wherever you find yourself in the world, we encourage you to find art in its tangible form, and to visit and support the local venues in which you can experience art in-person. Show up, build community, support the arts. Everywhere, always.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to have such support. My gratitude starts with my family for supporting my dream of opening my own gallery. It then extends to David and Lisa Cook for welcoming me into their building. Next, to the amazing group of collaborators who helped design, build and furnish the space. To the wonderful people who have contributed their time to work in the gallery and create a welcoming environment. Finally, to the local community, my network of friends, and those who have supported my work for years, this is for you.” - Scott Rinckenberger

About Scott Rinckenberger Photography:

Pacific Northwest based photographer / storyteller seeking Art Through Adventure. Scott Rinckenberger specializes in photographing some of the most pristine & wild places accessible under human power. A lifelong mountain-athlete, Scott’s work is steeped in an admiration for alpine ecosystems. His distinctively reductive compositions of these wild places have been recognized with international awards & art exhibitions as well as featured with some of the world’s top brands including Apple, REI, OR and Patagonia.

Scott’s art is created in wilderness settings; his work linked to the environment. He actively supports local & global environmental efforts through his commitment to 1% For The Planet. He seeks to inspire a deep appreciation for life's inherent beauty, a commitment to explore, protect & become an integral part of the beautiful tapestry of nature.

About The Gallery:

A creative space designed to be a cultural center in the idyllic mountain town of North Bend, features a rotating selection of Scott’s work capturing images that celebrate the subtle and sublime elements that inspire his life in the mountains and in the greater Snoqualmie Valley.

The gallery is also available for rent as a venue for your next intimate gathering, workshop, pop-up, meeting, fundraiser or happy hour. Contact gallery@scottrinck for more info or see rental details here.

Connect with Scott:

• Website: www.scottrinck.com 

• Gallery: www.scottrinck.com/gallery

• Sustainability partnerships: www.scottrinck.com/sustainability

• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/ScottRinckenberger