Mountain Heritage Center invites public to explore George Masa exhibition through August 15
Linville Gorge, undated by George Masa
Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center (MHC) invites the public to explore a powerful new exhibition, “A Stranger No More: George Masa and His Art,” on display now through August 15.
This compelling exhibit, guest-curated to spotlight a lesser-known yet pivotal figure in Appalachian conservation history, honors the life and work of George Masa. Born Shoji Endo in 1885. Masa immigrated from Japan to the United States at age 24 and eventually made Asheville his home. In 1915, he opened a photography studio and began capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Guest curators—filmmaker and author Paul Bonesteel, author Janet McCue, and WCU Library Specialist Jason Brady—bring unique perspectives to the exhibition. Their combined expertise in documentary storytelling, historical research, and archival resources adds depth and context to Masa’s life, work, and enduring legacy in Appalachian conservation.
Masa's Reversable Back Cycle Graphic Camera
Masa’s photographs not only showcased the region’s natural splendor but also played a crucial role in drawing attention to the need for preservation. His images inspired writers, hikers, and conservationists, contributing to the movement that led to the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The exhibition features a remarkable collection of George Masa’s original photographs—some never before seen—drawn from the William A. Hart, Jr. and Alice Huff Hart Masa Collection housed in WCU’s Hunter Library Special Collections. These images are displayed alongside Masa’s recently acquired camera and tripod, now part of the Mountain Heritage Center’s collection. Together, these artifacts form the heart of the exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of this influential photographer.
Described by the Carolina Mountain Club in 1960 as “the stranger who stirred us to such depths of love for our wilderness,” Masa’s legacy continues to resonate with those who cherish the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
The exhibition and related programming was made possible by the generous support of the Jackson County Arts Council, North Carolina Humanities, and WCU Campus Theme.
Admission is free. The Mountain Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. The Center is closed on weekends and university holidays.
For more information, visit mhc.wcu.edu or call (828) 227-7129.
