08/28/2026
The Art of Photography
Celebrating 200 years of Photography
Ever since Joseph Nicéphore Niépce made a “heliograph” of the scene outside his window in Burgundy, France in 1826, photography has been a tool of science, technology, journalism, exploration, and arguably, art. By the early 20th century, the debate over whether photography was mere chemical documentation of reality or a fine art form had been settled by pioneers of the medium such as Stieglitz, Steichen, Weston and Adams. Photography was shown to demand artistic decisions about such things as composition, technique and emotion. Now, two hundred years from the beginning, artistic photography is a broad medium with a whole spectrum of genres, styles and applications.
Five artists at the CoArt Gallery use photography in entirely different ways to produce different results and feeling. This special September exhibition celebrates 200 years of photography with the work of Michael Bedwell, Susan Bruney, Gail Haile, Alison Thomas, and Michael Ward.
Meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Saturday, September 12, 4-6 p.m. During the reception, each artist will discuss their process and inspiration and answer questions. Wine tastings by Dogwood and Thistle Wine Company of Charlottesville.
