PLACERVILLE, CA – El Dorado County’s rich history as a world-renowned climbing destination takes center stage in the latest exhibition by Arts and Culture El Dorado. Titled “Sending It: Climbing El Dorado,” the exhibit will open its doors on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Switchboard Gallery in Placerville.
While Yosemite Valley may hold a special place in the hearts of rock climbers worldwide, El Dorado County boasts its granite wonders. With renowned climbing spots like Lover’s Leap, Phantom Spires, and Sugarloaf, all easily accessible along Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe, the county draws climbers of all skill levels. The legendary Royal Robbins, famous for conquering Half Dome, even conducted a climbing school at Lover’s Leap.
Local climbers played a significant role in shaping this exhibition, contributing gear, photographs, mementos, and captivating stories of their climbing adventures. Aidan Maguire, who relocated to the area in 1992 to pursue his passion for climbing, stated,
“El Dorado County climbing is some of the best in the entire country, but it remains a well-kept secret to many residents. I’m thrilled about an exhibition that will delight climbers and help non-climbers understand the incredible resource we have in our county.”
“Sending It” delves into the region’s climbing history, featuring archival photographs, letters, and original gear designs from El Dorado County locals, climbing guides, and climbers who thrived during the golden years of climbing. It also showcases images and documents from the Robbins family archives, thanks to Arts and Culture El Dorado’s remarkable access.
The exhibition not only explores the evolution of climbing gear but also celebrates their artistry in product and industrial design. It delves into the camaraderie and friendly rivalries among climbers, preserving oral histories and offering engaging public programs. Additionally, “Sending It” delves into the internal experience of climbing, offering visitors a glimpse into the mental and physical challenges that climbers embrace.
A striking element of the exhibition is a large-scale panoramic color image of Lover’s Leap created by climbers Aidan Maguire and Joel Levinson. This image displays all known climbing routes, annotated with names, difficulty grades, and the dates of the first ascent. Maguire emphasizes the profound nature of climbing, describing it as “the most incredible mental and physical challenge” where one’s personal intensity knows no bounds, all within the backdrop of breathtaking natural landscapes.
An extraordinary addition to “Sending It” is the personal histories of local climbers and their tales of conquering regional peaks. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stuart Harmon has captured these stories, which will be presented in a continuous loop as part of the exhibition.
In line with the celebration of climbing history in El Dorado County, “Sending It” also seeks to raise awareness for the CRAGS (Climbing Resource Advocates for Greater Sacramento) Hwy 50 Revival stewardship initiative. This initiative aims to improve access and maintain climbing areas like Lover’s Leap, Phantom Spires, and Sugarloaf, ensuring their sustainability for future generations of climbers.
Learn more about “Sending It: Climbing El Dorado” at the official exhibition website: https://artsandcultureeldorado.org/sending-it-climbing-el-dorado.
Arts and Culture El Dorado plays a pivotal role in fostering community initiatives in the region, serving as the State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council. It offers diverse programs and services while curating a dynamic gallery exhibition series, focusing on cultural sustainability. Founded in 1984 as the El Dorado Arts Council, the organization is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of residents and visitors alike. Tax-deductible charitable donations can be made at https://artsandcultureeldorado.org.
