by Jessica Warzeniak
A new and exciting exhibition, “One World, Five Photographers,” is now at the Mystic Art Center. The exhibit features the work of renowned National Geographic Traveler photographers Ralph Lee Hopkins, Bob Krist, Jim Richardson, Eddie Soloway, and Mystic resident Michael Melford and is on display through November 8th.
Michael coordinated the idea with his neighbor and Mystic Arts Center past board president, Anthony “Tony” Halsey. “Tony had been after me for years to do a show at the Mystic Arts Center, and I finally agreed with the caveat that I could invite some of my National Geographic friends for a group exhibition,” said Michael.
“This is Tony’s last gift,” said Brandy Kolmer, Director of Development & Public Relations, Mystic Arts Center. Unfortunately, Tony passed away from pancreatic cancer in June. The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Tony and his efforts on the behalf of the Center.
The show itself is spectacular. The 50-plus photographs displayed in the Charles H. Davis Gallery are simply amazing. Each depicts something wildly different from the one before, but maintains the common element of something naturally beautiful. Although the photographer’s style comes through their work, the exhibit forms a cohesive idea. Looking at the photographs, you can’t help but notice some new detail every time. Each is so breathtaking, that the designer in me wonders how such perfection exists without the help of Photoshop.
“It is very special to have a show of this caliber in Mystic,” said Brandy. A representative of National Geographic Traveler was at the opening and was so impressed by the exhibition, she is trying to make it a traveling show.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the photographs displayed in the 30th Annual Photo Show, a juried exhibition featuring the works of regional photographers. The Mystic Art Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. For more information call 860.536.7601 or visit www.mysticarts.org.
