The Colors of Black and White: A Group Show of Photography
July 22 - October 18, 2025 Reception: TBD
Eggemoggin Reach, Deer Island ME, by Paul Lemieux
Black and white are the colors of photography. To me, they symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair to which mankind is forever subjected. — Robert Frank
Black and white photography is a classic art form that emphasizes tones, shapes, textures, and contrast rather than color. Its roots trace back to the very beginning of photography, with the earliest successful photographic processes producing monochrome images out of technical necessity.
While color photography dominates today, black and white continues to be a powerful and artistic choice for many photographers due to its unique ability to emphasize form and texture, highlight composition and light, evoke a sense of timelessness, and heighten emotion. Without the distraction of color, the viewer's eye is drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, revealing details, textures, and patterns that might otherwise be overlooked. Nuances of light become paramount in black and white photography, allowing photographers to focus on these fundamental elements of image creation.
The exhibit features five local amateur photographers embracing the black and white aesthetic. Thanks to Edward Birch, Jeff Caplan, Eric Cortes, Jeff Kubick, and Paul Lemieux for upholding a beautiful tradition.
Ken Hansen, Curator
Generously supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.
Exhibition Photo Gallery
The Owen Smith Shuman Art Gallery exhibits several shows each year, featuring artists from Groton and area communities, in both solo and group shows.
The Owen Smith Shuman Gallery of the Groton Public Library accepts submissions for art exhibits on a rolling basis. The Curator is responsible for selecting art for exhibits. In general, preference is given to group shows over solo exhibits and to local artists in Groton and surrounding communities
About the Venue The Owen Smith Shuman Gallery is a beautiful, well-lit gallery that is supported by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust and is an integral part of the local art scene. The Endowment provides for receptions, publicity, and a curator. Artists should carry their own insurance as the gallery does not have insurance for exhibited works.
Requirements: • Submit 16-20 slides or digital images with the artist’s name and the title of the image on the slide. A CD or USB submission must have the artist name on it as well as a separate document listing the titles, media, and size of each piece. • A complete proposal should contain: your images, a current resumé, list of images (with titles, media, and size), and an artist’s statement. • Please submit an appropriately stamped envelope for return of your materials, if desired. • If you are submitting digital images, you may email all of the above. • Artists may include a link to their websites, but that does not replace a submission proposal. • Optional: a small stipend is available for an artist’s talk. If interested, submit a description of your talk and list public speaking experience on your resumé. • Work submitted must be appropriately framed with eye hooks and wire on the back. Any exceptions to this rule should be submitted to the curator for approval.
