FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2010

 
 

Photographs by Jim Occi of Cranford Are on Exhibit at Pearl Street Gallery
photograph by jim occi

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photogrmaphs by Jim Occi of Cranford in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his photographs titled “Natural Textures” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until April 1. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit of Mr. Occi’s fascinating and beautiful photographs.”

Jim Occi’s exhibit of images titled “Natural Textures” explores nature's patterns – whether they are from animal, mineral or vegetable origin. His photographic technique reveals intricate details of items we see every day, yet often fail to appreciate.

Mr. Occi has taken photos with a 35 mm camera since the 1970s. As a scientist with advanced degrees in the biological sciences, he entered the world of professional photography by photographing ticks for a master’s thesis on Lyme disease. Later, he became the preeminent tick photographer for many tick and Lyme disease researchers and organizations. He entered the realm of conventional photography (sports, cityscapes, weddings) and is now the primary free-lance photographer for the Cranford Chronicle newspaper, covering mostly athletic events.

photograph by jim occi

Jim Occi’s photographs have been published in The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, Outdoor Life and many scientific and medical journals and web sites. Public exhibitions of his images have been seen at the American Museum of Natural History in an exhibit called “Epidemic!”; in a SOHO exhibit about 9/11 called “Here Is New York”; and “The MERCK 2009 Invitational Art Exhibit of Union County Artists” at the Arts Guild of New Jersey in Rahway. His work may be seen at: www.photoshelter.com/user/jimocci.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Free on-site parking is available. Telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.