All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Resilient in the Snow by Steve Dent Steve Dent, one of this year’s visiting artists, brings both courage and artistry to the gallery, and Resilient in the Snow is a powerful example of his exceptional photographic skill. His support for the gallery is deeply valued, and his work adds a vivid, adventurous dimension to this year’s exhibition for this year at the gallery. The series from which this photograph is drawn was created during Steve’s winter trip to Yellowstone—an environment most of us would never dare to explore when temperatures plunge to minus fifteen degrees. Yet Steve ventured out into that frigid world, seeking moments that reveal the resilience of wildlife in conditions where survival is a daily challenge. His photographs capture not just animals, but the spirit of endurance itself. Resilient in the Snow centers on a fox standing alone in a vast snowfield. The background offers only subtle texture, allowing the fox’s form—and its story—to command the frame. What makes this photograph truly exceptional is Steve’s ability to capture the fox’s shadow with precision. Shadows in snow are notoriously difficult to compose well, yet here the shadow becomes a vital element, grounding the animal and strengthening the emotional impact of the image. It’s a subtle but masterful detail that elevates the photograph. The fox’s warm, vibrant color is the only strong hue in the composition, creating a striking contrast against the cool, muted tones of winter. This contrast invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of nature in its harshest season, reminding us that even in a frozen landscape, life persists with quiet determination. Through this series, Steve shows us what resilience looks like—wild creatures surviving, adapting, and thriving in conditions that would send most of us indoors. Resilient in the Snow stands as a testament to his adventurous spirit, his technical excellence, and his ability to reveal profound beauty in the coldest corners of the world. By Steve Levinson
	Guitarist – by Jim Dusen Jim Dusen’s ten photographs, selected from ten years and twenty shows at Image City, reveal a consistent interest in texture, character, and the stories suggested by people and places. From a fossil’s intricate spiral to layered city buildings and expressive faces, he uses curves, repeating shapes, and carefully placed details to guide our attention. Light highlights important features while shadow adds depth, atmosphere, and mystery. Rich earth tones and monochromatic treatments give much of the collection a weathered, almost painterly quality. Together, these photographs balance drama with intimacy, inviting us to look closely and connect with his subjects. Guitarist Jim’s photograph of a bearded guitarist draws us into a moment of deep concentration. The bowed head and close embrace of the instrument suggest a musician absorbed in his music, creating intimacy even with his eyes hidden beneath his cap. The composition leads us from the curved head through the luminous beard toward the hands and guitar. The instrument’s neck angles into the foreground, adding depth and emphasizing the fingers shaping the notes. Light catches individual beard strands and reveals the textures of skin, fabric, and wood against a dark background. The flowing beard and taut strings create a pleasing contrast, visually connecting musician and instrument. Warm, restrained tones reinforce the reflective mood, creating a portrait we can almost hear. Thank you, Jim, for two decades of support and participation, sharing your many thought-provoking photographs. Congratulations on your Gallery Pick! By Dick Bennett.
	Conkling Family Plot, Bennington Centre Cemetery by Jane Hopkins Jane Hopkins has spent more than fifteen years walking among quiet stones and towering trees, developing a body of work that treats cemeteries not as places of sorrow but as landscapes of continuity. Her long dedication shows in Conkling Family Plot, a photograph that feels both intimate and expansive, rooted in her signature exploration of the relationship between the living and the gone. Jane’s eye is always drawn to the dialogue between trees and monuments—the upright vitality of trunks and branches set against the stillness of carved stone—and this image distills that juxtaposition with remarkable clarity. The composition is beautifully balanced. A dramatic, mature tree anchors the foreground, its presence strong enough to counterweight the cluster of monuments beyond it. Nothing feels accidental; the tree and the stones seem to lean toward one another, creating a visual conversation that guides the viewer gently through the frame. Presented on canvas, the photograph takes on a painterly softness, allowing light, texture, and shadow to mingle in a way that feels almost tactile. This piece is part of a larger exhibit that includes two of Jane’s published books, each expanding on her long-standing fascination with cemetery landscapes. Across her work—whether in Bennington Centre Cemetery or in countless others—she consistently reveals beauty, dignity, and quiet storytelling. Conkling Family Plot is a standout example of her ability to transform a familiar resting place into a scene of grace and reflection. By Steve Levinson.
	Sorrow By Julie Oldfield Julie’s recently interest in bird photography has allowed her to create this strong, atmospheric photograph. It works particularly well because it moves beyond a straightforward bird photograph and becomes an image about reflection, isolation, and geometry. The egret itself is relatively small, but its reflection extends dramatically downward into the water. That gives the photograph a sense of mystery and makes the viewer look twice. The branches and their reflections create a series of triangles and diagonals across the frame. The large triangular shape beneath the bird is particularly effective. The egret has its head tucked down, rather than presenting itself proudly. That creates a feeling of solitude, contemplation, or even melancholy. It gives the image considerably more emotional weight than a typical wildlife photograph. The large expanse of water surrounding the bird emphasizes its isolation. By Don Menges