Windsor Journal

The stunning images of photographers Dan Mead and his wife, Sally Eagle, are inspiring reminders of the exotic and fascinating world in which we live. In "Images of Our World," Mead and Eagle have collected stunning landscape photographs, compelling cultural scenes, and intimate images of animals to create a vivid and lively journey for the viewer, who will be transported to far away places, if only in the mind. ìImages of Our Worldî will be on display at the Sue and Eugene Mercy Jr. Gallery located in the Richmond Art Center on the campus of The Loomis Chaffee School from February 19 through April 18.

Residents of Western Massachusetts, Mead, is an educator turned psychotherapist, and Eagle, is an entrepreneur and the first executive director of the Berkshire-Taconic Community Foundation. They initially photographed their travels for personal enjoyment but soon began editing photos for others to view in order to entice people to focus more intently on capturing the essence of the landscapes, the wildlife and the cultures they encountered. ìWe are both lifelong photographers, but for the last 35 years we have traveled and photographed distant cultures, wildlife and landscapes together. In the last 10 years, we have dedicated ourselves exclusively to improving our skills in the digital realm, and have been fortunate to study and travel with some of the best in the field: David Muench, Jack Dykinga and John Shaw, among others,î stated Mead.

Their work has drawn praise and awards including ìHighly Honoredî recognition in the Windland Smith Rice International Award presented by Natureís Best magazine and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, and ìHighly Commendedî honors in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition sponsored by the BBC Wildlife magazine and the British Natural History Museum. "We exhibit in galleries and other educational venues in order to encourage a dialogue: whether about photography itself, global studies, environmental studies or as a basis for the interaction of the visual and literary arts. We hope the photographs help supplement and enrich a studentís educational experience," stated Mead.

There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, February 19, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. The public is invited to attend the opening reception and to view the exhibitions during regular gallery hours. The Sue and Eugene Mercy, Jr. Gallery is located in the Richmond Art Center on the campus of The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge.  Please note that the gallery is closed during school vacations. For additional information, call the Richmond Art Center Information Line, 860-687-6030, or visit www.mercygallery.org