“The Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography is privileged to exhibit a special group of Paul Caponigro’s photographs chosen by HMCP’s Director, Paul Turnbull, from Mr. Caponigro’s voluminous archives. Entitled, “Select Photographs: 1956 thru 2005″, the seventy-five silver gelatin prints can be seen in the museum’s Gallery 52 and Gallery 56 facilities, on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue A, downtown Turners Falls, Massachusetts. The exhibition will hang from September 25 through December 14, 2008. The opening reception is on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 1-5 pm with lecture at 7 pm.”
“In this rare opportunity, the public is invited to view one of the greatest landscape photographers of our time.  His prints reside in the collections of most major museums around the world.  He is the recipient of two Guggenheim Fellowships, and three National Endowment for the Arts grants.  The breadth of his work spans over five decades and fills numerous books. Sensing the thread that holds all living things together, Paul Caponigro’s photographs reveal the invisible forces of the natural world.  For him, the subtle movements of nature, all the stirrings that most of us miss, become the timeless treasures of earthly delights that his camera uncovers.  He states, “There is something in me which wants to breathe in harmony with the breathing of the earth … In being willing to fully commune with what is there to touch, in freeing myself from the insistence of rules and authorities which all too often impose a drone-like formula for living.  I can experience something much deeper … like the heartbeat of the earth.”  Paul’s “dreams locked in silver”, beckon us to contemplate and share those infinitesimal moments of creation.”
“To be honored at a public reception at the museum, on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm., Mr. Caponigro will celebrate the viewing of his photographs with guests and the general public. All are welcome. Viewing only hours will be extended till 7:00 pm. on this same day.  Musicians will be on hand, as a variety of hors d’oeuvres are served.  Later in the evening, at 7:30 pm., the Hallmark Institute of Photography’s Educational Center will open its doors for an inspirational and informative “Artist’s Talk”.  Paul will share some of his private reflections on his life-long dedication to photography. Seating begins at 7:15 p.m. with refreshments available at 6:45 p.m.  The HIP Educational Center auditorium is located at 27 Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls, Massachusetts.”
“Quietly thrilling, Paul’s black and white view camera images are intimately intertwined with his love for music and the piano in particular. Being a disciplined pianist throughout his entire life, the spiritual qualities of music permeate Paul’s photographic imagery.  A heightened sense of gray tonalities; the nuances that awaken deeper meanings of hope and awe, all mingle and vibrate with the sacred places that he is drawn to photograph.  From Stonehenge to Japanese shrines, Mr. Caponigro has traveled the world, practicing his craft and garnering international acclaim.  After living in San Francisco, Connecticut, and Santa Fe, the Boston born photographer has returned to his native roots, calling Maine his home The Hallmark Museum of Contemporary Photography supports and encourages the appreciation and understanding of photography through the recognition of regional, national and international photographic artists. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.”
Visit hmcp.org for more information.