Local photographer Sandra Maggio is preparing to showcase her nature photography work in a solo exhibition at the Darwin R Baker Library, demonstrating how individual artists are continuing to promote the arts despite nationwide challenges in arts funding. The exhibition, titled "Nature Unfiltered: the photography of Sandra Ebling-Maggio," will run from September 2 through October 25, with an opening reception scheduled for Thursday, September 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Maggio, who operates her photography business called Untouched Images, has experienced significant growth since The Post-Journal and Dunkirk Observer first featured her work in 2023. Her unique approach focuses on capturing nature photography using only a smartphone camera, without any digital editing or Photoshop enhancement afterward. This unconventional method allows her to capture spontaneous moments in nature as they occur naturally.
The upcoming library exhibition will feature 40 pieces of Maggio's work, showcasing a diverse collection that includes reflective objects in water, flowers, sunlight on lakes, treescapes, creeks, and various other natural scenes. The Darwin R Baker Library, located at 7 Day Street, will provide refreshments during the opening reception, and Liberty Winery Vineyards will offer wine tasting for attendees.
Beyond her library show, Maggio has expanded her artistic presence throughout the community in multiple venues. She has become the first and only photographer to have her work featured and sold at The West End Gallery within the Village Frame Shop in Fredonia. Additionally, her photographs are included in the Chautauqua County Art Trail through her membership with the North Shore Arts Alliance, which helps promote local artists throughout the region.
Maggio is also working on a multimedia book project titled "Finding Peace In Times Like These" through the Lakeshore Center for the Arts. This publication will combine at least 12 of her poems with corresponding photographs, creating a cohesive artistic statement aimed at providing viewers with positive feelings and stress relief. She hopes to have this book published by December 2025.
Her literary work extends beyond her personal book project. Maggio recently contributed to a collaborative publication by the Lakeshore Center for the Arts Writers Group called "Teacher Influencers," which gave members the opportunity to write about educators who had significant positive or negative impacts on their lives. This marked Maggio's first published writing, focusing on her former biology professor from Fredonia, and included photographs of him as well.
This writing project led to an unexpected collaboration with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, where Maggio and her former professor partnered to submit photographs of fly fishing to an exhibit called "Clarity." She has also contributed a photograph to the institute's "Broken Nature" exhibition, demonstrating her growing recognition in regional art circles.
Maggio's artistic achievements have gained recognition at higher levels as well. One of her pieces has been accepted into the Erie Art Museum's prestigious 101 spring show, marking another milestone in her expanding career. She continues to pursue professional development through workshops and classes at the Erie Art Museum, studying different types of art and media to enhance her photographic vision.
As she emerges from retirement, Maggio is taking the significant step of purchasing a house where she plans to establish her own home gallery. She has named this future venue "Elemental Encounters; Unfiltered Views," reflecting her artistic philosophy and approach to photography. The name "Elemental" represents the basic, fundamental aspects of nature she captures, while "Encounters" acknowledges that she photographs spontaneously rather than with predetermined plans.
The choice to use smartphone photography rather than professional cameras is central to Maggio's artistic method. This approach allows her to capture fleeting moments within seconds when something in nature catches her eye, creating authentic encounters with the natural world rather than staged compositions.
Facing the reality of declining arts funding nationally, Maggio has strategically connected with organizations that support artists while managing costs. She has taken classes through the Lakeshore Center for the Arts on topics including perspective, lighting techniques, website creation, and QR code development for business cards. These skills help reduce expenses typically associated with professional photography, including advertising and marketing.
The Lakeshore Center for the Arts continues to support Maggio by helping her develop podcast and videography content for promotional purposes. Despite limited funding, the organization uses social media and other cost-effective methods to advertise local artists and maintain community connections to the arts.
Maggio has found valuable partnerships with local businesses that support her work while managing costs. The Fredonia Village Frame Shop, under new ownership, provides her with favorable framing prices and displays her work without charge. This type of community support has been essential to her ability to continue her artistic practice while managing the expenses of printing, framing, and exhibiting her work.
Her involvement with the North Shore Arts Alliance exemplifies how regional organizations maximize limited resources to support local artists. The alliance organizes events like the Labor Day weekend art trail, providing artists with significant community exposure while operating on minimal membership fees.
Maggio's artistic vision extends beyond mere documentation of nature to encompass emotional and environmental impact. She carefully considers how viewers will respond to her photographs, hoping to inspire positive feelings while encouraging better environmental stewardship. Her goal is for viewers to put away their phones and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them in their daily lives.
During her upcoming library reception, Maggio plans to discuss her smartphone photography techniques and explain how proper framing contributes to effective nature photography. She wants to demonstrate that high-quality artistic work can be created with accessible technology when combined with artistic vision and technical understanding.
Looking toward the future, Maggio continues to apply for fellowships at local art museums and seeks opportunities to increase her community engagement. She has applied for several grants, though she has not yet received funding, and has returned to part-time work to support her artistic endeavors financially.
Maggio emphasizes the collaborative nature of artistic success in smaller communities, noting that it requires diverse groups working together to support and promote each other's work. She credits the various organizations, businesses, and individuals who have supported her artistic journey, recognizing that community involvement is essential for sustaining arts programs during challenging financial times for cultural institutions nationwide.
