Garden's small world to open in exhibition of James Kraus' photographs

An exhibition titled "Filtered Through the Garden: Photographs by James Kraus" will run March 30 through June 1 at Oswego State Downtown, SUNY Oswego's gallery and store at the corner of West First and Bridge streets in Oswego.

A free public reception for the artist -- an alumnus of SUNY Oswego -- will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Oswego State Downtown as part of the college's Downtown Artists Series. Poet Brenna MacIsaac, a creative writing major, and Samantha Marti, an art major, both will react to Kraus' work, according to Amy E. Bartell, the college's coordinator of community arts programming.

Kraus grew up with a curiosity about nature and its seasonal changes. Living in Oswego for most of his life, he developed an interest in gardening and photography. Graduating from SUNY Oswego with a bachelor of fine arts degree, he worked as a graphic designer for over 15 years, developing an eye for small details and a love for macro photography and the small world it opens.

"Using the camera to narrow my vision, I concentrate on one subject, or look very closely at a small area," Kraus said in an artist's statement. "Nothing else matters at that moment, just the subject, just the level of focus -- seeing the detail, the beauty that is easily overlooked or dismissed."

Kraus said the last couple of years of his grandmother's life, he was able to divert her attention with his photos, sparking her memories and engaging in conversations.

"Taking time to stop, breathe and look makes taking the slow path worthwhile," he said. "Escape through the camera, focus through the lens. Save a slice of time and look back on a moment that has passed. The seasonal clock moves forward, with or without a witness."

Oswego State Downtown is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information, contact Bartell at amy.bartell@oswego.edu.