All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Independence Hall America’s Historic Heart    by Steve Dent To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Steve has assembled a thoughtful collection of photographs that explore enduring symbols of the American experience. As he explains, “These visual touchstones move beyond documentation, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories, ideals, and contradictions that have become embedded.” Steve photographs with clear intent, selecting subjects that communicate ideas as much as places. As I viewed the exhibition, one image in particular, Independence Hall—America’s Historic Heart, immediately stood apart. It is the only black-and-white photograph in the series, a choice that feels both deliberate and meaningful. By removing the distraction of color, Steve emphasizes the building’s form, architectural character, and historical significance. The monochrome treatment gives the image a timeless quality, allowing Independence Hall to exist simultaneously as a living landmark and as a powerful symbol of the nation's origins. The title itself deepens the photograph’s impact. The word heart evokes not only a physical center but also the ideals, courage, and enduring spirit that shaped the founding of the United States. That theme resonates throughout the exhibition. Steve expands the narrative with photographs honoring influential presidents, the courage of the soldiers at Iwo Jima, the reverence owed to those who gave their “last full measure of devotion,” the U.S. Capitol standing as a beacon of representative democracy, the Statue of Liberty welcoming generations of immigrants, and the patriotic celebrations at events and that continue each Fourth of July. Together, these eleven photographs offer more than a visual tour of familiar landmarks. They encourage viewers to reflect on the values, aspirations, achievements, and complexities that continue to define the American story. Thank you, Steve, for creating a thoughtful and engaging exhibition that celebrates both the symbols and the enduring ideals of the American experience. By Dick Bennett
	A Pair of Eagles Atop a White Pine by Randy Fredlund There is a quiet dignity to this portrait of two bald eagles. Rather than capturing dramatic action, Randy Fredlund invites us into a moment of stillness as the pair shares a perch atop a white pine. Their mirrored poses and attentive gazes create a natural conversation, while the graceful curve of the branch ties the composition together. The soft, uncluttered background isolates the birds beautifully, allowing their striking white heads and golden beaks to command attention. The surrounding pine needles frame the eagles without overwhelming them, providing just enough context to remind us of their natural habitat. Wildlife photography often celebrates split-second action, but this image reminds us that patience can be just as rewarding. It captures not only the majesty of our national bird, but also a quiet connection between two magnificent creatures. Randy’s display fits right into this month’s Fur, Feathers & Fins exhibit; congratulations on your Gallery Pick. By Marie Costanza
	Field Guide "A" by Tom Knauss This month, Tom Knauss receives a Gallery Pick for Field Guide A, which includes a collection of his wildlife photography. It is a carefully curated portfolio that feels like opening the pages of a naturalist's field journal. Rather than focusing on a single species or destination, he assembles a visual catalog of wildlife and wild places encountered across North America, inviting viewers to experience the breadth of his travels. The concept echoes the purpose of a classic field guide: to help us observe, identify, and appreciate the diversity of the natural world. From an intimate family of coyotes crossing a snowy landscape to the iconic Grizzly 399 with her cub, a hovering broad-tailed hummingbird, a dramatic osprey landing at its nest, and the imposing presence of elk and bears, every image reveals Tom's patience and keen eye for behavior. Interspersed with sweeping landscapes, the collection reminds us that wildlife cannot be separated from the habitats that sustain it. What makes Field Guide A especially engaging is its sense of discovery. Each photograph stands on its own, yet together they read like chapters in an ongoing adventure—one that spans mountains, prairies, forests, and wetlands. It's an inventive presentation that shows the variety of life found in the wild. Tom's "Field Guide" doesn't simply document nature—it celebrates the joy of finding it. Congratulations on your Gallery Pick! By Marie Costanza
	Lone Silo, Honeoye Falls, NY 2025 by Larry Steinwachs Larry’s Lone Silo is a strong minimalist landscape with a distinctly large-format, fine-art sensibility. The simplicity of this composition lets the shapes and tonal relationships carry the image. Lone Silo has a calm, contemplative mood. The silo stands almost like a monument, and the sweeping cloud creates a dynamic counterpoint. It feels less like a documentary farm photograph and more like a study of form and space. The composition is the photograph’s greatest strength. The silo is placed just left of center, avoiding a static, centered composition while still anchoring the image. The large expanse of negative sky gives the photograph room to breathe. The diagonal cloud acts as a leading line, drawing the eye directly toward the silo. The tree balances the verticality of the silo without competing for attention. The monochrome conversion is excellent. Highlights on the silo are bright without appearing blown out. The darker sky provides separation from the cloud. Midtones are plentiful, which gives the landscape a gentle, classic feel. The silo is a familiar rural subject, but Larry avoided making it merely descriptive. Instead, the photograph becomes about solitude, permanence, open space, and the relationship between man-made forms and nature Larry’s Lone Silo reminds me of the restrained, formal approach often seen in classic rural landscape work. It has a disciplined composition and doesn’t rely on dramatic lighting or excessive processing to create interest. Instead, it succeeds through careful placement, strong tonal control, and an excellent sense of balance. By Don Menges