Majestic California Piers

As a coastal state, California has many communities on or near the ocean. Early on, cities grew from goods carried across the ocean on massive ships. Tall ships would come into port, with crews making several trips as they battled weather and waves to bring their goods ashore.

The pier was born out of necessity as it is a structure that stretches from land out into and over the sea. With the invention of the pier, sailors could now unload their cargo safely and efficiently.

But as cities grew, so did roadways and railways, and this new infrastructure slowly made the original purpose of piers obsolete. Instead of work areas, piers began to provide a completely new experience - one connected to tourism and leisure activities. Whether strolling along the wooden planks or viewing the sea below, piers offer a dramatic view of the ocean or the shore (depending on the point of view) that often lives on in memory. Piers are now places to watch boats, seabirds, sunrises, and sunsets; as well as sea life clinging to pier pilings or waves stretching out to the horizon. Today, piers are an integral part of beach town culture, remaining a focal point for surfers, fishermen, and sightseers in search of the perfect California beach experience.

The exhibition featured 31 photographs showcasing iconic piers throughout California (spanning from San Simeon to Oceanside). The piers were seen through the lenses of acclaimed photographers Bill Dewey and Dan Merkel whose breathtaking aerial views and intimate details provided unique vantage points of these coastal landmarks.