Evelyn Schmitt: Tides & Traditions

July 18 – August 22, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 18, 7 – 9pm

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Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education is pleased to present Evelyn Schmitt: Tides & Traditions, a solo photography exhibition celebrating the artist’s distinctive vision of coastal life and global cultures.

Working in the tradition of street photography, Schmitt is known for her instinctive timing and dynamic images of surfers, skateboarders, and beach volleyball players in motion. She also explores the quieter rhythms of the California coast, capturing the shifting tides, luminous sunsets, and the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier in contemplative landscapes that reflect the beauty of everyday moments.

While deeply rooted in Southern California, Schmitt’s photographic practice extends far beyond the local shoreline. A frequent traveler, she has developed a particular affinity for Africa. This exhibition includes a series of photographs from Ethiopia’s remote Omo Valley, offering intimate glimpses of pastoral life and the rich traditions of personal adornment among its communities.

A retired mathematics teacher and longtime Manhattan Beach resident, Schmitt discovered photography after retiring. What began with a simple point-and-shoot camera and a fascination with photographing sunsets quickly evolved into a passionate artistic pursuit. Through dedicated study, she advanced to professional-grade equipment and developed the distinctive style showcased in this exhibition. Her work has earned numerous honors, including two awards from the Orange County Fair, and has been exhibited at Manhattan Beach City Hall. Schmitt is also a member of The Artists’ Studio at Palos Verdes Art Center.

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by generous support from–