Long Island life through a lens

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“It was an organic development,” she said. “A lot of the things we covered in the papers opened my eyes to another section of my project that I didn’t even think about. My professional life and documentary photographer life intertwined.”

Schwartz described the exhibit, which is on display in the community room of the Bellmore Memorial Library, as a mosaic of societal scenes ranging from parties to parades and pageants. The show evokes the work of famed photographers such as Diane Arbus, Martin Parr and Lauren Greenfield, whose pictures are up close and personal, even intimate.

One of Schwartz’s favorite photos in the show was taken at the 2000 Hewlett High School Homecoming. She said the image of a young woman celebrating is a timeless slice of Americana.

“It seems like it could have been taken 15 years ago or in the future — it doesn’t matter what year it was taken,” she said. “No matter their age, sex, culture or race, when people are coming together to celebrate and experience something as a community, that joy is universal. I love being able to be a part of these different events to capture these moments in time.”

The exhibit’s opening reception will be Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. in the library’s community room. Variations of the project have been shown at the North Bellmore Public Library, the Lucky Cat Gallery in Brooklyn and the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum in San Bernardino, Calif.

Schwartz has lived in Bellmore for three years with her husband and fellow artist, Lee Kolinksy. She said she would love to teach photography in the future.

She said she plans to continue pursuing “Pop Life: Photographs of Long Island Pop Culture” through the years in the hope of eventually publishing a book.

“I hope these photographs allow people to take a step back from everyday life and appreciate the experiences and celebrations and rituals,” she said. “When you’re in it, it’s very hard to take a step back and look at it. Looking at and creating art helps you put things in perspective.”

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