An array of local photographers’ work will be on display this weekend, thanks to an idea spurred on from the aisles of the Greenport IGA.
When Kara Hoblin, founder of The North Fork Art Collective, saw Madison Fender’s fashion shoot among cereal boxes, milk cartons and salad dressing, she immediately was inspired to show the work of her friend of nearly 15 years at her space at 207 Main St. in Greenport.
Through casual conversation about the best way to do so, the pair conjured up “Hometown Proud: Personal Works” — a local working photographer exhibit celebrating their work. The show opens with a reception on Feb. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be on display until March 29.
There are multiple monumental aspects of this event, as it’s the Collective’s first all-photography show. For Fender, it’s her first go at curation.
The lineup is loaded with North Fork-focused artists, including Jess Paul, David Benthal, Carl Timpone, Estefany Molina, Caroline Rochetta and Jeremy Garretson, many of whom have been featured at the Collective before (and who shoot frequently for our pages). Chris Fenimore and Bastiaan Ekeler’s pictures will also be displayed, this being both of their first exhibition experiences.
Of the talent in the exhibition, there are a variety of types of photographers, including but not limited to wedding, fashion, editorial and commercial.
“We’re always so caught up doing work for everybody else that we never really get to show or even create our personal work,” says Fender.
While not all the featured images are shot on the North Fork, Hoblin and Fender wanted to emphasize the feeling of home, not just in the work but by the people behind the lenses.
“The Collective’s mission is not only local, but it’s [to support] any artist who really spends time and has a piece of their heart in this place,” says Hoblin. “You can see in their work or in themselves as artists that they understand the beauty and how special this area is — the entire East End, not just the North Fork — and how valuable it is and not in a monetary way. This beautiful place allows artists to thrive in their personal works.”
Expect landscapes, portraits and other innovative genres of photos shot using unique equipment.
Fender’s IGA fashion shoot will be on display, highlighting entirely local talent from the model to the styling to the clothing in the photos from Times Vintage.
“I’m excited to go with my fellow photographer friends and celebrate our work together and talk shop or not talk shop, just be in the community setting,” says Fender. “As a photographer, we’re working alone a lot and it’s nice to be in a creative space with other creatives around art.”
The North Fork Art Collective is welcoming community members to the opening reception with bites from Lombardi’s Love Lane Market and local wines.
“Supporting your artists is the only way they are going to be able to stay here,” says Hoblin.
To see the collection after the opening, stop in on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
