Final year at Art in the Park for John Clement’s majestic Eastern WA landscapes

For 45 years, John Clement ’s photographs have been a staple at Richland’s Art in the Park .

Clement is one of the best known Tri-Cities photographers, pointing his camera toward the sweeping landscapes of the Palouse, Red Mountain and the Hanford Reach.

After this year, Clement has decided to take a step back from the festival.

He’s developed a devoted following, searching out his booth year after year at Howard Amon Park.

One customer Friday bought four framed photographs to add to her collection of Clement’s work at her home.

People connect to the work because it captures the open spaces of the Mid-Columbia area and its iconic features, including the blue bridge, cable bridge and the Columbia River.

What makes his images stand out are the stunning details, like a swirl of stars or a glowing supermoon.

Each year at Art in the Park, Clement has the opportunity to showcase his most recent work.

Some standouts this year include neon-bright shots of the spectacular May display of the northern lights in the Tri-Cities area.

Clement said that since he debuted his photos of wildflowers, they’ve become a favorite among many customers.

Rather than searching for spots with flowers that bloom each year, he grows his own wildflower garden at home.

He said that his faith heavily influences his work.

“I pray for certain lighting and then God orchestrates something beautiful,” Clement told the Herald on Friday.

The free Art in the Park event is in its 73rd year. It continues Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring over 300 artists and vendors.

A shuttle service is available every 15 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle starts at Fran Rish Stadium at Richland High School and makes stops at Knight Street, Lee Street and the Uptown Shopping Center.