That’s the newspaper headline on the June 9, 1939 clipping that refers to an exhibit of photographs by three local artists at the Westport Library. Viola Semler, Peggy Knowles and Russell O. Kuhner had each exhibited “in the well known galleries of the more important cities of the United States,” according to the article. This tradition has continued to the present most notably with the work of Karl Decker in 2003, Phyllis Groner in 2007 and Laurence Untermeyer whose opening is Friday August 1,2008 in the Great Hall from 6-8 pm.
Karl Decker’s exhibition The People of Townshend, Vermont featured his friends and neighbors from the place to which he retired, after years of teaching at Staples High School. Phyllis Groner’s work is familiar to readers of Westport Now, as is Larry Untermeyer’s. Both of them along with Kerry Long and Lynn U. Miller have documented many Library events with their captivating photos.
The Westport Historical Society is planning an exhibit titled "Westport Now Photographers: the Best from the Best." To learn more.
The Library has an extensive collection of books on photography. To browse, go to the upper level area and look for the 770s for everything from instruction to books of photos by specific artists (in the 779s.) If you cannot find them, just stop by a public service desk for assistance.
Here are a few of the most recently added photography books:
• Mario Testino: Let Me In by Mario Testino – celebrity portraits
• David Plowden: Vanishing Point by David Powden – industrial photography
• Sylvia Plachy: Goings On About Town by Sylvia Plachy – New Yorker photos
• Our World by Molly Malone Cook –life with poet Mary Oliver
• The Bigger Picture: 30 Years of Portraits by Diana Walker – celebrities & politics
• New York: City of Islands by Jake Rajs
• Seconds of My Life by Jamel Shabazz – street and family photography
• Storm Chaser by Jim Reed – severe storms, hurricanes & tornadoes
Enjoy photography - one of the most honored traditions of preserving history- as we continue to celebrate 100 years of the Westport Library.
