A group of local photographers and illustrators will present "People, In All Their Forms" at the James Prendergast Library Art Gallery from Friday through Nov. 23.
Exhibitor organizer Andy Palermo invited photographers Jenn Randall, Dan Swackhammer and Chris Wysard to join him in presenting images accompanied by the illustrations of Jeff Creager, Gary Peters Sr., Gary Peters Jr., and Wysard. There will be an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday to meet them and discuss their collaboration.
"My photography is based on scenic vistas, buildings, objects and nature. Until now, my photos have never been focused around people. For this exhibit, I've gone in the complete opposite direction and chosen one main theme - people," Palermo said.
Article Photos
Pictured above is Radio Girl from Andy Palermo’s series, “Pin-Up Girls.” The series will be on display at the James Prendergast Library Art Gallery from Friday through Nov. 23.
One of his series, "Pin-Up Girls," is a new take on an old medium, with local artists illustrating the photos. His other category of work is "The Body and Body Art," using local models to highlight the body and modifications to it with tattoos as the primary focus. Palermo describes himself as a proud Jamestown native. He moved back to the area in 2007 and makes his living as a chef.
Jenn Randall has enjoyed taking photographs since she was a child.
"While employed as a photojournalist, I was able to develop my passion further. I delight in capturing the simple and often ephemeral beauty of nature, and anything else that attracts my attention," she said.
Dan Swackhammer works primarily in travel and landscape photography, and his scenic pictures are almost always completely void of people. To help carry out this exhibit's theme, he also stepped outside his comfort zone to offer a series he calls "The Pretenders."
According to Swackhammer, the series focuses on "people who by choice have never grown up, people who still enjoy playing dress-up, whether it's in a World War II uniform, as a zombie or one of many other costumes people have chosen."
A Jamestown resident, Swackhammer is the owner of the Wireless Zone in Chautauqua Mall. His work is available in local galleries and hangs in homes and offices in the tri-state area.
Chris Wysard is a graphic designer and videographer from Jamestown, who says he works in the fringe space between traditional commercial design and the hot rods, roller derby, and rock posters. By day he provides multimedia and design services for clients. By night he's the marketing director for Chautauqua County Roller Derby.
"I've spent the last 25 years trying to reconcile the influences antique signs, pre-1970 advertising ephemera, found and manipulated photos, bad movies, badder music, and the firm belief that art doesn't have to be so serious all the time," he said.
Gary Peters Jr. is an illustrator and graphic designer from Jamestown, whose works include the Lucille Ball murals throughout downtown. His experience includes theatrical scene painting, book illustration, logo design and commissioned portraiture.
Library hours to view "People, In All Their Forms" are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The next Prendergast Library Art Gallery exhibit will feature and oil paintings, wood cut prints, and reverse glass painting by MaryLou VanDorn of Sugar Grove in a show called "A Time to Paint."