Cliff Segerblom: Preserving Nevada’s Artistic Heritage
Welcome to the Cliff Segerblom Legacy Project, a dedicated initiative to chronicle and archive the remarkable body of work created by one of Nevada’s most prolific and versatile artists. Our website is a tribute to Cliff Segerblom’s enduring legacy, aiming to preserve and share his extraordinary contributions to the world of art and historical documentation. We invite you to explore his captivating journey and join us in our mission to honor and perpetuate his artistic vision.
A Journey Rooted in Art and History
Born on August 1, 1915, in Los Angeles, California, Segerblom moved to Nevada at the age of 19 to study art at the University of Nevada, Reno. His profound love for the state’s landscapes and history became the cornerstone of his artistic career. In 1938, Segerblom
relocated to Boulder City and was offered a job as a photographer with the Bureau of Reclamation to document the monumental construction of the Hoover Dam. Despite never having taken a picture before, Segerblom quickly showcased his talent with the heavy 8×10 view camera. His iconic photographs from this period, featured in prestigious publications like Life, Time, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated, captured the technical prowess and human element of the dam’s construction, solidifying his place as a distinguished photographer.
Artistic Evolution and Personal Life
In 1941, Segerblom married Genevieve “Gene” Wines, a fourth-generation Nevadan from Ruby Valley. The couple moved to Panama to document the Third Locks Project on the Panama Canal. Although the project was canceled due to World War II, Segerblom’s time there was not wasted; he ran the photography lab at the army base in the canal zone, teaching soldiers film techniques for reconnaissance work.
After the war, the Segerbloms returned to Boulder City, where Cliff continued his photography career and eventually founded the Photography Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His dedication to education and the arts saw him retire as Professor Emeritus, leaving a lasting impact on his students and the academic community.
Diverse Mediums and Lasting Impact
Segerblom’s artistic repertoire extended beyond photography to include watercolor, block printing, sketching, oils, acrylics, and pen and ink. Each medium allowed him to explore different aspects of his subjects and brought unique textures, colors, and emotions to his work. Watercolors captured the delicate essence of Nevada’s towns and landscapes, while block printing and sketching highlighted the intricate details of rural life. His use of oils and acrylics added depth and intensity to his portrayal of the American West, and pen and ink provided expressive renderings of his subjects.
In 1969, Segerblom was commissioned by the Navy to record the Apollo 12 splashdown, with his watercolors from this project displayed at the National Aeronautics and Space Museum. His celebrated works vividly reflect the natural beauty of the American West and the cultural heritage of Nevada.
Honoring a Legacy
Segerblom’s contributions were widely recognized throughout his career. In 1984, he received the Nevada Governor’s Art Award for his masterfully executed photographs and paintings. His work continues to be celebrated, with significant collections preserved at the Las Vegas News Bureau, Nevada State Museum, and UNLV Special Collections.
In 2010, the Nevada State Museum showcased “The Modern Desert: Photographs by Cliff Segerblom,” highlighting nearly four decades of his work. During this exhibit, his children, Tick Segerblom, an attorney and politician, and Robin Liggett, Ph.D., a Professor Emeritus of Urban Planning at UCLA, donated thousands of large and medium format negatives to the museum’s permanent collection.
The Cliff Segerblom Legacy Project
The Cliff Segerblom Legacy Project is dedicated to preserving and sharing Cliff Segerblom’s extraordinary body of work. Our mission is to compile a comprehensive portfolio of his art, photographs, and other ephemera to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from his unique perspective on Nevada’s rich history and natural beauty. We are committed to collaborating with museums, galleries, and other organizations for exhibition purposes to further promote and celebrate his legacy. The family is also interested in acquiring works of art for preservation purposes, ensuring that Segerblom’s contributions are safeguarded for the future.
Join Us in Preserving Nevada’s Artistic Heritage
We invite collectors, art enthusiasts, and historians to contribute to the Cliff Segerblom Legacy Project. By sharing Segerblom’s art, magazines, and other ephemera, you help us build a thorough and comprehensive archive that celebrates his contributions and keeps his legacy alive.
Contact Us
If you have any pieces of Cliff Segerblom’s work or related materials, or if you wish to learn more about his legacy and our project, please reach out to us. Together, we can ensure that Segerblom’s dedication to capturing the essence of Nevada are preserved and appreciated for generations to come.
Journey through the exquisite lands of Nevada through the eyes of Cliff Segerblom: Explore, learn, and be inspired by the incredible journey of Cliff Segerblom, and join us in celebrating an artist who captured the heart and history of Nevada.