Two solo exhibitions… “As Long As There Are Humans,” photographs by Melissa Tomich
“ Wizard and Work” photographs by Christine Anderson

From May 15th to June 23rd Hamilton Street Gallery will be presenting two exceptional photographers, Melissa Tomich and Christine Anderson. Melissa’s recent series entitled, “As Long As There Are Humans,” focuses on the sad and emotionally distressed lives of caged animals residing in zoos and animal parks, covering three continents. The disturbingly bleak imagery in these photographs inspires the viewer to empathize and deepen their connection to these sentient beings. Tomich explores the entire idea of animal incarceration for entertainment purposes and asks, “Why would anyone want to go to a zoo to see that?” Melissa has been a fine arts photographer for more than thirty five years. She studied photography at Kean University and at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Her work has been exhibited at the Monmouth Museum, The Zimmerle Art Museum and in a solo show at the HPGRP gallery in NYC and is in many collections here in the U.S. and abroad.

The exhibition featuring Christine Anderson’s “Wizard and Work” showcases work from three photographic series, all created in 2014-15. “Inflatables” is an imaginative ongoing series using natural and man-made materials, such as plastics to create surrealist imagery that reflect the real world. “Fenced Dragon” consists of photos that describe pain, struggle, and death in the tragic story of two White Tailed Deer and their attempt to jump a fence in winter. Lastly, “Wizard” is Anderson;s creative pictorial tale depicting her beloved green Volkswagon, Beetle, an auto mechanic named Kal, and his shop, loosely inspired by the story of the “Wizard of OZ.” Christine holds a BFA in painting from Long Island University and has worked as a professional designer and art director. As a fine arts photographer, her work has been featured in several publications, such as Vogue Italia, L’Oeil de La Photographie, and Gup Magazine and she has shown her photographs in both Europe and the U.S. She will be signing copies of her recent award winning book, “Wizard” during the opening reception which will take place on May 15th from 2 to 5 pm.

For more information please contact: Hamilton Street Gallery, 6 Hamilton St., P.O. 710, Bound Brook NJ 08805 Tel: 732-748-2092 www.hamiltonstreetgallery.com