Earl McNeese: September 2026 Featured Artist

This September, the Hemet Valley Art Association is proud to feature longtime member and award-winning photographer Earl McNeese.

For Earl, photography began in high school and became a much bigger part of his life after retirement, opening the door to a creative second chapter here in Hemet. Alongside his partner, Mike Yeager, Earl has spent years traveling, collecting, and becoming deeply involved in the local arts community.

Earl is especially drawn to photographing cars and colorful flowers, subjects that allow him to explore depth, contrast, shape, and detail. His approach often means returning to the same subject again and again in search of just the right image.

“Sometimes I shoot one subject so many times it’s exhausting,” Earl says. “But when you look at the photos and find the perfect one, it makes it all worthwhile.”

That persistence has earned Earl numerous awards in HVAA gallery competitions, including Best of Show and top category ribbons for memorable photographs such as Irish Castle, Time for Dinner, and Ready for Rain.

Earl’s contributions to HVAA extend well beyond his photography. He and Mike previously served as gallery directors before Art Majerus took on the role, and Earl continues to support the gallery by helping Art hang artwork during Change of Painting through November.

Through his photography, volunteer service, and longtime involvement with HVAA, Earl has become a familiar and valued part of the association’s creative community.