The “third place,” a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, refers to places where people spend time between home (“first” place) and work (“second” place). These locations are essential for building relationships, exchanging ideas, reducing loneliness and expanding horizons. The Clifton Cultural Arts Center is such a third place, providing physical spaces and opportunities to connect through visual and performing arts, as well as arts education opportunities. In a lens-based interpretation of third place, the exhibit asks artists and viewers to consider both the literal – using and manipulating light through the use of photography, and the figurative – how third places enlighten us and encourage us to lighten up.

Though the theme of this exhibition was conceived prior to the current pandemic, it seems more practical than ever to actively consider the ways in which we come together. This show will feature work by fourteen photographers, with each photograph considering a different avenue of the so-called third place. In the context of this year, some images point directly to an increased desire for physical proximity with a community, whether that’s found on sidewalks or at pierogi festivals, while other images seem to orient themselves in temporary appreciation of relative vacancy and quiet, suggesting lemonade from pandemic lemons.

Opening on September 18, and running through October 24, this exhibit features photography by: Jonathan Kamholtz, Greg Buening, Linda Susman, Mark Fohl, ChengLun Na, Neil Moore, Paul Wilbur, Aliese Hewitt, Bre’Asia Graham, Kiya Gibson-Cornist, Chris Huckaby, Alexandra Buxbaum, Connie Springer, and Steve Kosztala.  This exhibit will also coincide with the opening installment of CCAC’s Sunset Salons 2020 – 2021 season, which will feature a panel discussion about Photography & Building Community.

This exhibition is made possible through the support of Pendleton Street Photography and FotoFocus.