Bridgett Locken’s wild horse photography yields a dramatic vignette for her Sacramento Fine Arts Center exhibition.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A hobby has become a passion for a North Highlands’ Community Outreach Academy teacher.

Reading specialist Bridgett Locken, 52, took up animal photography 12 years ago. Last week, she launched a one-woman exhibition at the tail end of the “Animal House” show at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael.

“I’ve loved animals since I was born,” Locken told visitors at the July 12 exhibition opening. “Friends suggested I photograph horse shows. I’ve enjoyed doing this. I heard about the wild mustangs of Carson Valley (Nevada), and I visited them in their wild habitat. I admired their amazing resilience. They’re beautiful and free; they’re everything we’d all love to be.”

Central to the show she calls ‘Nature, Beauty, Power and Passion,” Locken’s wild mustangs were wildly admired.

Wild and domestic animals are subjects for photographer Bridgett Locken’s “Nature, Beauty, Power and Passion” exhibition at the Sacramento Fine Art Center.

“I saw two colts in spring,” Locken recalled. “They were sparring right in front of me. I felt the universe gave me a wonderful, magical opportunity.”

In minutes, Locken captured hundreds of images.

“You just have to pick the one that speaks to you,” Locken said of her exhibited choice. “These young males weren’t fighting to the death; they were just practicing to be stallions. Gallery visitors seemed amazed I’d captured such a moment. I’m grateful I was in the right place at the right time.”

Locken has traveled to the West Coast with her camera. Among whales, bobcats, bears, deer and bird portraits, bald eagles are a local presence in her exhibition.

“The canyon they inhabit is just miles from my home,” explained the Fair Oaks resident. “I often visit them at sunset. After work, surrounding myself in nature feels wonderful”

Locken’s adventures benefit her classes.

“We need visual aids when teaching vocabulary,” the mother of two explained. “My students don’t get out in nature much. Our school mascot is a bald eagle but most students have never seen one. They’re in awe that a bird could be bigger than themselves. Kids are also drawn to baby animals. Foals, fawns, owlets; they love the little critters.”

Locken’s 47-piece exhibition includes several original paintings.

“Artists often use my photos to work from,” she noted. “So painting’s another avenue for me to explore.”

A Washington State wolf inspires a painting by Bridgett Locken.

The second lure of Locken’s exhibition opening was gastronomic. A pro-baker, she frequently offered “Homebaked Creations” at Carmichael’s Sunday Farmers Market.

“Cooking’s a creative experience,” Locken said. “Like art, food fills people with warmth. At my opening, I set out 200 pieces of baked goods, from brownies to banana bread. They were a hit.”

The night resulted in several photo sales and 198 consumed cookies. Locken and her husband, Bruce, took home two brownies.  

“Leftovers were a sweet end to our day,” smiled Locken. “I figured if I could get people into the gallery with baked goods, they’d stay for the art. They did.”

Locken’s “Nature, Beauty, Power and Passion” show continues until July 31. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Sacramento Fine Arts Center is at 5330B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. Photo prices start at $75.  

Learn about Locken’s art at www.lockenartstudio.com