“BEING AND THERE”: An exhibit featuring the work of New York-based photographer Joseph Lawton is on view at Mercer County Community College’s James Kerney Campus Gallery in Trenton through May 13. A reception and artist talk will be held in person and via Zoom on Saturday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) James Kerney Campus Gallery (JKCG) presents its latest photography exhibit, “Being and There,” on view through May 13. The traveling exhibit features the work of New York-based photographer Joseph Lawton. 

A reception and artist talk will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is invited in-person or by appointment via Zoom. Reservations are required.

“Being and There” features early black and white photography from Lawton’s extensive travels circa 1983 to 1994. Michael Chovan-Dalton, director of JKC Gallery, describes Lawton as a modern-era wanderer. 

“Joe hitchhiked his way from New York to Colorado to attend college, and soon after he hitchhiked his way through Central America after he discovered photography,” said Chovan-Dalton. “The work in this show is an expression of someone wanting to be part of the greater community, someone who is always moving so he can stop and be there.”

Lawton is the recipient of the Light Works and the Southeast Center for Photography grants. His photographs have been published in The New York Times, Life magazine, and Time magazine, and his works are included in public and private collections at Bibliothéque nationale de France, France and Institute of Art and Design in St. Petersburg, Russia. Past exhibitions include P.S. 1, Canton Museum, and OK Harris Gallery.

Lawton has taught photography at Hunter College, Pratt Institute, School of Visual Arts, and Fordham University where he has served as director of the Visual Arts Department at Fordham for the last six years. Learn more about Joseph Lawton at josephlawton.com.

Located at 137 North Broad Street in Trenton, Mercer County Community College’s JKC Gallery is a gallery for photography and lens-based work from international and regional-noted artists. To learn more about gallery hours, shows, and registration requirements, including Zoom links, visit JKCGallery.online.