“Precious Objects” Photography Show

Lakeside Chautauqua will host a special photography exhibit from Aug. 23-Oct. 31 in the lobby of Hoover Auditorium. The exhibit, titled “Precious Objects,” features work by photographer Chuck Mintz.

All are invited to an Opening Reception from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, prior to the evening concert with Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon.

Guests may view the show from 2-4 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays until Labor Day weekend. Off-season hours will be posted later.

At 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Mintz will also give a lecture about his work.

Photography is Mintz’s third career, the result of a passion acquired in Maine many years ago. Most of his work is done on large format film.

Becoming a full-time photographer in 2008 changed his work in profound ways. Previously, the people were anonymous and aimed at showing the public space. In this new time, the work has become intensely personal – often involving portraiture.

Each project is based on a story—someone’s precious objects, the steel houses in Lustron Stories, Andrew Carnegie and his Carnegie Libraries. The story is the framework, and the meaning comes from what the subjects show us. For example, the people in their homes in Lustron Stories tell us about themselves, how they feel about their home, and who they are.

Mintz studied photography at Maine Photographic Workshop, Parsons School of Design, International Center for Photography, Lakeland Community College and Cuyahoga Community College.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University.

Mintz is the former Board Chair of the ICA-Art Conservation in Cleveland and board member of the Cleveland Museum of Art – Friends of Photography. His interest in preservation and conservation is reflected in his service to the ICA and in his careful attention to producing work that lasts.

He serves on advisory boards at the Cleveland Print Room and the Artists Archive of the Western Reserve.

Mintz is a Life Director at Jewish Family Services of Cleveland. His work can be found in museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of American History and private and corporate collections in North America, Europe and Asia.

This artist was awarded an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award in 2017 and 2015.