Ava Jerome's art gallery is having a special exhibit this week on General Hospital that features work by real-life photographer Joel Sartore, known for his stunning wildlife shots in National Geographic.
The Tuesday, November 16, episode of General Hospital will be picture perfect -- literally. That's because world-famous photographer Joel Sartore, who is known for his wildlife shots in National Geographic, will be showcasing his work in a fictional exhibit in Ava Jerome's (Maura West) art gallery.
Sartore is currently publicizing his Photo Ark project, a 25-year labor of love in which he set out to photograph and document every animal species in captivity around the world in an effort to raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation. He visited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquariums, and more to achieve his goal, and the fruits of his labors -- which he did in partnership with National Geographic -- will be on display at the Jerome Gallery for the residents of Port Charles and GH viewers to enjoy.
GH executive producer Frank Valentini was the one who arranged to have Sartore's work featured on the ABC soap opera, as he's a big fan and has purchased some of the photographer's signed prints. Luckily, Sartore jumped on board for the unique idea and will be appearing in scenes along with his Photo Ark photographs in Tuesday's episode. However, as he tells the Lincoln Journal Star, he didn't love the experience of being in front of the camera!
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"The amount of material they shoot in a day is incredible. And they love it," Sartore shares. "These are people who've wanted to do this ever since they were little kids. Me? I'd rather face down a lion or a tiger than do this every day!"
He admits that his performance was... a little stiff. "I had a few lines, and I swear I had them memorized," he says with a laugh. "But my brain is way better at winging it. I can speak on any subject, but give me specific lines that I have to remember and... well, let's just say I'm going to get the Emmy for Most Wooden Performance."
Sartore admits that he isn't intimately familiar with the soap genre, but his wife, Kathy -- who will also be appearing on GH with her husband -- has been a longtime fan.
"She's watching General Hospital some over the years, and she was devoted to All My Children," he shares. "We got to go into the control booth and see how it works and all I can say is that Frank Valentini is a one-man force of nature. He's involved in every aspect of the production, right down to telling an actor to punch-up the word 'canape.'"
Check out a preview of GH's special Photo Ark episode below, and to order a copy of National Geographic's Photo Ark work, on Amazon or at any bookseller.
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