Mark Appling Fisher exhibits a collection of photographs created with 19^th century glass plates, combined with his own contemporary work. Fisher addresses climate change, from its earliest impact on our atmosphere to its increasing deleterious effects on the planet. Issues including flood, fire, erosion, air pollution, water pollution, overuse and abuse of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, as well as the major factor driving us beyond the tipping point – carbon dioxide emissions from manufacturing and automobiles – is referenced in his work.

Top Shelf Eyes, a series of photographs by Fisher of carnival chalk figurines from the early- to mid-20^th century, will also be on view throughout the Sheldon Art Galleries’ 2^nd floor Golf The Galleries installation.

Missouri native Mark Appling Fisher was raised in a farming community in East Central Missouri, where his sensitivity to the land was nurtured by the challenges faced in an agricultural environment.

Fisher’s formal training was in Music Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he earned a B.A. degree. He served as a music educator in public schools while his interest in image-making matured. He earned a Master of Arts degree in photography from Lindenwood University in 1982. His teaching evolved into a position as Instructional Media Technologist until his retirement from the school district in 2003. He went on to serve as an adjunct instructor in photography at St. Charles Community College.

Fisher has exhibited photography regionally and nationally and has presented more than 20 solo exhibitions. He is the author of Turn Left at the Blinking Light, an elegant visual exploration of the infrastructure of the small-town rural lifestyle.

As The Sheldon continues to monitor the regulations and recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the City of St. Louis regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following practices will be in place to ensure the health and wellness of The Sheldon’s patrons, artists and staff.

The exhibit is free and reservations are not required.

• Visitors over the age of five are required to wear masks when not actively drinking.

• Dedicated entrance and exit routes will be designated at the street level entrance of the Emerson Galleries building.

• MERV13 filters are installed throughout The Sheldon’s HVAC system, turning the air over in public areas every 9 minutes.

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures will be in place throughout each day in public areas.

• Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout The Sheldon, including at arrival sign-in, ticket counter, throughout the golf exhibit and in staff work areas.