California Nature Art Museum and its Board of Directors will host a lecture and book signing with local author/photographer George Rose, 4:30-6 p.m. Friday, April 12 at 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang.

The event celebrates the release of Rose’s new book “California’s Changing Landscape: The Way of Water,” published by the California Nature Art Museum.

More than 140 photographs in the book capture Rose’s documentation of California’s complicated and dramatic water story.

A Santa Ynez Valley resident, Rose began this project during the pandemic, just as the effects of drought were becoming increasingly visible. Then, California was hit with record-setting rain and snowstorms in early 2023. The onslaught of water effectively filled reservoirs and – at least temporarily – ended the drought.

“I made the decision to educate myself about California’s convoluted water systems and set out to photograph as many of the important and not-so-important state water reservoirs as possible,” said Rose. “As I looked back, I realized I was witnessing a changing climate and landscape which was evolving right before my eyes.”

Some 50 years ago, Rose began career as a photographer. He has been the winner of a World Press Photo Award, and was named California Newspaper Photographer of the Year.