The Peru Gazette

Left to right: Kennedy Patnode-Gebo, Kalli, Patnode-Gebo, Kelsey Patnode-Gebo, James Gebo Jr., Marybeth Patnode-Gebo stand next to the manhole where inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt escaped.

The Strand Center for the Arts will be showcasing a new series of documentary photography centered on the Dannemora prison break by artist Damian Battinelli. This exhibit, titled “The Escape,” will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from September 4^th to October 2^nd, 2015. The Opening Reception will take place Friday, September 4^th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Damian Battinelli started his photo journey in 1995 when his father bought him a 35mm camera for Christmas. He took photography classes in high school at Peru Central School,attended vocational school for Graphic Design at CV-TEC, and entered the Air National Guard after high school. Battinelli exited the military after thirteen and a half years. During this time he maintained his passion for photography and started his own photography business. Over the course of a few years, he intensely educated himself and even wrote educational articles for photography magazines such as Rangefinder. Currently, Battinelli has focused his work on celebrity portraiture mainly involving comedians with a strong editorial feeling. Although residing in Plattsburgh with his wife and daughter, he travels all over the US.

Exhibited in The Strand Center Community Gallery is Battinelli’s latest series “The Escape,” which examines the community members, significant locations, and media presence surrounding the 2015 prison break in Dannemora, New York. This controversial event has not only affected the local community, but captured the attention of the entire nation.

Both exhibitions in the Main and Community Galleries will be on view in The Strand Center at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from September 4^th to October 2^nd, 2015. The Opening Reception for both shows will take place Friday, September 4^th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts, please call 518-563-1604 or visit www.plattsburgharts.org.