Peekskill: In Plain Sight, Yet Unseen- Joseph Squillante Photography
Peekskill: In Plain Sight, Yet Unseen • Joseph Squillante
Documentary and Fine Art Photography of a Richly Historic City
Field Library, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, September 14 – October 18, 2019
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 14, 2-4pm in the Gallery
Information: Barbara Smith (914) 737-0010 – https://www.josephsquillante.com
Pictured are a potpourri of places we may walk right by and never notice, people we may not meet, and artifacts of historic value reclaimed in a historically rich city. So many wonderful curiosities like “Little Eva,” a character in Uncle Tom’s Cabin remembered as a cast iron miniature toy stove at the Peekskill Museum.
I take special interest in the city being Vice-Chair of the Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board, and member of Peekskill Artist Alliance. I have the privilege of protecting our downtown Historic District, exhibiting throughout the city and continuing my 40+ years of Hudson River photography right here at home.
The exhibition brings together artifacts from the 18th century and artisans still working in the old world style. Peekskill’s ever-changing cityscape has inspired resident artists and visitors for over three centuries. The fascinating and the ordinary come to life making Peekskill such a diverse place.
Represented in the show will be a group of my classic Hudson River photographs at Peekskill Bay. From grand views to the inside of intriguing places like the Underground Railroad and the Meeting Room atop the Elks Lodge Meeting Room are pictured here. Buildings like Centennial Hose firehouse, Saint Mary’s Chapel and the Lent House can also be seen. Historically rich things will be brought to light such as Revolutionary War artifacts retrieved from Fort Hill Park and the three post office mile makers from Benjamin Franklin’s time.
You will see portraits of working artists & musicians past and present, including the distinguished Paul Laubin, an old-world-style craftsman making oboes and English horns working here today.
Peekskill is rich in photographic opportunities. Adding to the imagery captured in the show is the enchanting light of our Hudson lending its grace to the photographs, and to our way of life. It is a “river-life” which permeates us all making us great just by being close to her majesty, near her, at her side.
Ours is a town steeped in history. Even our neighbor to the south, Washington Irving, has likened Peekskill Bay to Lake Como in Italy. In a town so old there may be a little more than enough folklore to go around. So keep your eyes wide open and enjoy the exhibit.
Slow down your pace and take a virtual walk around town in pictures and see for yourself. Some fun with photography will be seen as well in a few quirky portraits.
Creating this exhibit has turned out to be an enlightening experience in a fascinating town.
About Joseph Squillante
I am committed to the fine art of photography, practicing since 1973. I’ve been photographing the Hudson River for over 40 years and have exhibited widely from Manhattan to the Adirondacks. My mission is to raise awareness of the beauty of the Hudson through photography.
My goal in teaching is to facilitate a discovery of what it is that attracts a student to a subject and moves the student to make a picture. Students sense my enthusiasm and come away informed and inspired along with an understanding of their personal processes and concerns. Students are the future generation of fine artists who will contribute to our culture, society, and evolving traditions.
I exhibit, sell note cards and prints, and teach photography privately and in group settings. Portrait photography is available upon request. My photographs are in the permanent collections of the Hudson River Museum, New York Historical Society, The Museum of the City of New York and the Albany Institute of History and Art.