Press Release

December 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Passey | [email protected] | 480-874-4626

New Exhibition Highlights Randy Johnson’s Photography

“Gentle Giant, Amboseli National Park, Kenya” is among the artworks by Randy Johnson featured in “Storytelling with Photographs,” which will be on view from Feb. 23 through April 28, 2024, at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Though known in the sports world as a professional baseball pitcher, Randy Johnson is also a longtime photographer, and many of his works will be on display at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts through Spring Training.

Johnson studied photojournalism from 1983 to 1985 while attending the University of Southern California, where he had a full athletic scholarship for baseball. Baseball became Johnson’s occupation for two decades, but his love for photography never left. Following his 2010 retirement, he was able to refocus on this passion.

His photography shows the same dedication to craft that has long defined his major league career. And the intensity that has made him a Hall of Fame pitcher and World Series winner is now reflected in his artistry.

This exhibition, “Storytelling with Photographs,” at the Center Space gallery opens Feb. 23 and runs through April 28. It will showcase images from Johnson’s travels, which have given him the opportunity to capture everything from motorsports to major musical artists. This exhibition focuses on scenes from multiple African safaris.

“Photography has taken me on an amazing journey, but it’s only just beginning,” Johnson says. “I look forward to visiting places I’ve never been, shooting things I’ve never seen and getting better each and every day.”

Not only has Johnson been able to learn from some of the best photographers in various fields, his work has also been featured in multiple publications, including Rolling Stone, Spin and Metal Hammer. His concert photography has even found its way into tour programs, posters, books and websites.

An opening event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, is open to the public. The artist will be in attendance, and refreshments will be provided. The Center Space gallery is located inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251. For information, visit ScottsdaleArtsLearning.org/exhibitions or call 480-499-8587.