After the installation of the photographs Peter Marr, noted photographer and competition judge, selected two of his favorites and wrote commentary on what appealed to him in making his choices. Peter's Picks is a popular feature of our exhibits as visitors enjoy reading Peter's insightful comments while admiring the photographs.

Viking Huts by David Bleich -- This is one of the most sublime and meaningful landscapes that I have ever seen, made all the more spectacular and evocative, by the fact that the large panoramic display is mounted on an acrylic substrate, which adds a resplendent brilliance and clarity to the print. The verdant and lush green grasses continue their inspiring presence all the way up the steep hillside, through the stands of conifer trees, before merging with the almost barren hillsides of volcanic peaks which are enshrouded in mist. In the foreground, imposingly set against this impressive landscape, are a row of Viking turf houses, so named, because each roof is covered with multiple layers of living grass sod. Remarkably, the roof lines of the houses flow in an undulating pattern that mirrors closely the background setting The massive stone walls help support and insulate these houses, and in front is a stone and gravel pathway which connects all of these dwellings. The Icelandic turf house is an exceptional example of Vernacular architectural tradition, which was brought to the country by Nordic settlers dating back to the 9th century. They are predominantly of timber and stone construction, around and over which, thick layers of turf form an insulating cover. It is remarkable that in one of the world's most inhospitable lands of volcanoes, earthquakes, and glaciers, the Icelanders have learned to survive at the edge of the Arctic, living in turf house communities until the early 1900's. Many of these structures are in the National Museum's Historic collection, and many have been remodeled and reconstructed for rental and hostel use for tourists. I have given some of this background data in order that viewers of this exceptional landscape be more aware of a sense of presence, and to imagine that they have the freedom to stop and enter any one of the dwellings. There, in a visionary way, the observer can conjecture and think about the people, their way of life, their hardships, etc, so that this historic and august print means even more to them.