The Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC} presents the portrait photography of featured artist Juleen Lapporte in their virtual Art Gallery at Wilder from Nov. 1 through Jan 7. Meet the artist at a reception in her honor on Sun. Nov. 6, 2:30 – 4:30 pm where light refreshments will be served. View her work at

www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/.

Juleen Lapporte, an award-winning portrait photographer based in Lafayette, is exhibiting 13 photographs of women with the theme, “Celebrating 40 Over 40” in the Art Gallery at Wilder. “

With a strong societal focus on beauty and youth, women are often viewed as less relevant as they age, said Lapporte.” Continuing, “In contrast, I find myself feeling more alive, vibrant and free. I welcome my future of 60s, 70s and 80s. Fear of the unknown may always be with me, but I choose to dance with my fears and live a life with joy and wonder.” Find out more at: https://www.studiojule.com/.

Lapporte noted the diverse range of women coming to her includes everything from women with high-powered jobs to women who stayed home and raised their family, plus everything in between. “I love to work with all types of women,” she said. “Let’s transform the representation of women over 40 to showcase their authenticity, audacity and beauty.”

“They talk about things they’re discovering that surprise them as they age,” she said. “There are difficulties, but 40 is really a fabulous age for women. We are able to let go of a lot of our insecurities and a lot of things that have pulled us in different directions. Then we really find ourselves coming into our own power,” she said.

Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/gallery-2/ for directions to Wilder & scroll to “For Map directions …” in paragraph one.

The Wilder Art and Garden Center is located at 20 Orinda Fields Way, Orinda. The exhibit runs  November 1 through January 7 and is in-person on the reception date but virtual the rest of the month because the building is not open due to COVID-19 restrictions. Viewings by appointment with Curator Aniston Breslin can be arranged by request at anistonbreslin@berkeley.edu. Questions? Call the Lamorinda Arts Council at 925.359.9940.