Thomas Kelsey is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer who spent 50 years as a Photojournalist and editor for several media publications including the Los Angeles Times, Rocky Mountain News, The Outdoor Channel TV network, and several other daily newspapers. During his career, Kelsey has photographed six presidents and covered many news and sports stories including the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for the Los Angeles Times in 1983. After growing up in the Central Coast cities of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, Kelsey graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in Journalism in 1977. In 1981, Kelsey attended the Ansel Adams Workshop. It was Adams’ last workshop in his beloved Yosemite Valley. Spending time with Adams amid the setting of the Sierra Nevada helped light a spark of passion into Kelsey’s photography that he still has to this day as he leads Ansel Adams tours each fall at the Lone Pine Film Festival (Oct. 9-12, 2025). Beside News Photography, Kelsey has always had a passion for the Outdoors. He has hiked and backpacked to photograph some of the most magnificent scenery in the West. He also has found time to publish two successful books, “The Spirit of the West”, a 30-year Landscape & Wildlife project in 2011 and “75 Years Later-Wardbirds, Airman & Veterans of World War II”, a tribute to the ‘Greatest Generation’ in 2020.
The City of Temecula invites guests to experience the award-winning Landscape & Wildlife photography of Thomas Kelsey throughout the month of October at the Mercantile Gallery ("The Merc") in Old Town Temecula, at 42051 Main Street. A reception for the award-winning photographer will be held Friday, October 3rd from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Gallery. "Images of the West" features color & mono chrome images taken over the last 50 years. Kelsey was the only photographer chosen in 2025 for the “Artist of the Month.” For more information go to www.thomaskelsey.com.
The Merc is a popular entertainment venue located in Old Town Temecula, California. This historic building dates back to the early 1900s and has been renovated to serve as a gathering place for the community. The Merc hosts a variety of events, including live music performances, theater productions, and art shows. It also serves as a hub for local artists and musicians, offering a space for them to showcase their talents and connect with the community.