The Halide Project

We are very excited to feature the work of Laurie Beck Peterson in our current exhibition “From The Ashes.” Laurie’s work examines how light, time, and natural systems shape one another, revealing cycles of growth, loss, and transformation. Using plant-based and alternative photographic processes, she collaborates with sunlight, water, and organic materials to create images that evolve over time. Each piece becomes a record of interaction as a living surface that reflects our shared connection to the changing environment.

Come see Laurie’s work in the show through October 18th by emailing [email protected] to schedule a visit. Or register for our virtual reception on September 21st where you will hear from all the featured artists.

Laurie is also teaching a workshop, Cyanotype on Wood, on September 26th where students will explore the unique process of creating cyanotype prints on wood surfaces.

Go to the link in our bio to learn more!

We are thrilled to feature the work of Kari Varner in our current exhibition “From The Ashes.”
Kari Varner (American b. 1991 Overland Park, KS) is an artist whose work explores representations of the landscape through the photographic image. Her recent work has focused on humans’ impact on the landscape, particularly through industrialized agricultural and waterway channelization. Using satellite imagery, historical photographic processes, and experimental image making, Kari seeks to portray the ways that we have profoundly altered our land and water.

Come see Kari’s work during our opening reception on September 11th from 5-8pm. Or register for our virtual reception on September 21st where you will hear from all the featured artists.

Go to the link in our bio to learn more!

Join us on September 21st at 7pm for a virtual reception for our fall exhibition, “From the Ashes.” Held in conjunction with the 20/20 Photo Festival, whose theme this year is “transforming landscape,” From the Ashes features the work of Laurie Beck Peterson, Tony Bellaver, Kari Varner, and Yelena Zhavoronkova, all of whom explore the loss of natural spaces through the use of historic and alternative process photography. Each artist will present their work, and a Q&A will follow.

Go to the link in our bio to register!

Cover image by Kari Varner Kari Varner

Here is what is happening at Halide this month!

We have a variety of things happening this month from exhibition openings and call for entries closing to alternative in-person and online workshops. Go to the link in our bio to learn more about all things happening at Halide this month. We hope to see you at a gallery reception or workshop coming up!

UPCOMING EXHIBITION!

The landscape is ever changing. Whether at the scale of geologic or human time, our planet is in constant flux and climate change is causing natural disruptions that are more frequent and catastrophic in scope.

Our upcoming exhibition, “From the Ashes,” features four artists, Laurie Beck Peterson Laurie Beck Peterson Tony Bellaver Tony Bellaver Kari Varner Kari Varner and Yelena Zhavoronkova Yelena Zhavoronkova creating work in response to the changes they observe as a way to process the emotions that are associated with the loss of natural habitats.

Each artist utilizes historic and alternative process photography to explore both personal and political relationships with landscapes being impacted and transformed by a variety of causes. Using destruction as their starting point, they create something new out of the literal and proverbial ashes of what was.

The exhibition will be on view starting September 5th through October 18th. Please join us on September 11th for an opening reception from 5-8pm.

Cover image by Yelena Zhavoronkova

Calling for Lab Monitors!

Do you have prior experience working in a darkroom and want to be a part of a vibrant photo community? Then apply to become a Lab Monitor by September 12th. Volunteer 6 hours per week of your time to assist Halide members with their photographic questions/needs and in return you will have free access to our darkroom.

Follow the link in our bio to learn more and to apply!

Rescheduled Online Workshop!

Join us for an online workshop rescheduled to every other Wednesday from September 23rd through November 18th. This five-session class will explore the continuation of the work of early Surrealist photography, and later the American photographers who were influenced by this movement, including those associated with American Gothic photography. While briefly revisiting foundational figures for those new to the class series, the course will primarily focus on how dreams, memory, symbolism, and altered realities influenced these photographers. Through lectures, group discussion, critique, and independent shooting time, students will create a body of work inspired by a surrealist photographer of their choice.

Previous enrollment in the first class is not required. Two weeks between sessions are built into the course schedule to allow time for shooting, processing, and scanning. Space is limited.

Sign up at the link in bio!

Cover image by Clarence John Laughlin

To celebrate the 20/20 Photo Festival, we are offering a one-day workshop on September 27th that explores the unique process of creating cyanotype prints on wood surfaces. Because the workshop builds on foundational cyanotype techniques, prior experience printing cyanotypes on paper is strongly recommended. Participants are also encouraged to bring a selection of their cyanotype prints to share during the opening discussion.

Wood rounds, panels, two inkjet negatives made from your digital files, and other workshop materials will be provided by The Halide Project. After registering, participants will receive a materials list and instructions for sending digital files.

This workshop is lead by Laurie Beck Peterson Laurie Beck Peterson who is an exhibiting artist in our 20/20 Photo Festival exhibition “From the Ashes” opening September 5th.

Follow the link in our bio to learn more and to sign up!

To celebrate the 20/20 Photo Festival, we are offering a one-day workshop on September 26th that explores the unique process of creating cyanotype prints on wood surfaces. Because the workshop builds on foundational cyanotype techniques, prior experience printing cyanotypes on paper is strongly recommended. Participants are also encouraged to bring a selection of their cyanotype prints to share during the opening discussion.

Wood rounds, panels, two inkjet negatives made from your digital files, and other workshop materials will be provided by The Halide Project. After registering, participants will receive a materials list and instructions for sending digital files.

This workshop is lead by Laurie Beck Peterson Laurie Beck Peterson who is an exhibiting artist in our 20/20 Photo Festival exhibition “From The Ashes” opening September 5th.

Follow the link in our bio to learn more and to sign up!

THANK YOU CULTURAL ALLIANCE!

We are thrilled to announce that The Halide Project has received a 2026 grant from the The Philadelphia Cultural Fund

This funding helps us continue our mission of supporting the practice and appreciation of film and historic process photography right here in Philly. Art and culture connect us through our pasts, presents, and futures. We are proud to continue this work for our neighbors with support provided by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Thank you to PCF, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and for supporting the arts!