AUBURN — The Androscoggin Valley Hospital Auxiliary in Berlin, New Hampshire, is showing a collection of various photos from Auburn photographer Gary Swinton, as part of an ongoing Rotating Art Program.
These art pieces show a spectacular color collection of various subjects. The words most often mentioned, by those who have already seen this exhibition, are “truly amazing.”
Swinton put together his first photographic darkroom at the age of 12. He bought used equipment purchased with his paper route proceeds. One of his early photos went nationwide on the Associated Press Wire Service when he was 14.
He attended Kansas State University as part of the journalism program and where he was awarded 13th place in the national William Randolf Hearst Photojournalism contest. He was mentored by three nationally renowned photographers: Jim Richardson, who is a National Geographic photographer; Brian Lanker who was a Pulitzer Prize winner in photography; and Rich Clarkson who is a top Sports Illustrated photographer and National Geographic photographic director. Swinton said of them, “I sincerely doubt that any of these mentors will remember me, but I certainly remember them and their gift.”
During his senior year at Kansas State University, Swinton was the head photographer and provided photography for a daily student newspaper. He also worked on the Kansas State’s All-American yearbook.
His work experience includes teaching multiple levels of photography at Pratt Community College in Kansas, working as a public relations photographer, and as a photographer and writer for the Berlin, Germany American Newspaper.
Later in life, Swinton was forced to cease photography because of severe tremors in his hands. He said, “The tremors are currently assumed to be because of nerve damage due to extended exposure to darkroom chemicals.” But the story does not end here. After decades of not participating in photography, a friend encouraged Swinton to try an artistic type of photography.
Since then Swinton has been exhibiting and selling his photography at art and craft shows. He has been awarded several awards at these shows.
The public is welcome to view this outstanding show. The display is in the hospital cafeteria located on the first floor.
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