A free exhibit celebrating the life and work of renowned Japanese photographer George Masa is on display through Oct. 1 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center north of Cherokee, North Carolina. From his arrival in Asheville in 1915 until his death in 1933, Masa ardently explored the Southern Appalachians, and — with a special passion for the Smokies — created images that were instrumental in the efforts to establish Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Recent research and interest in Masa’s remarkable life serve as well-deserved, posthumous acclaim for his many contributions. The abundance of recent recognition, coming almost a century after his many accomplishments, ranges from a new historical marker in downtown Asheville to an award-winning and comprehensive historical biography, “George Masa: A Life Reimagined,” coauthored by Janet McCue and Paul Bonesteel, to an inspiring 2026 film, “A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story,” also by Bonesteel that premiered May 12 on PBS North Carolina.