Pete Zaharis and His Circle: An Essex Camera Shop Reunion Exhibition

Kensington-Stobart Gallery recalls the legacy of the late Pete Zaharis, the long-time, beloved proprietor of the former Essex Camera Shop in Salem in Pete Zaharis and His Circle: An Essex Camera Shop Reunion Exhibition. The exhibit will include a selection of prints by Zaharis and images contributed by local photographers who were part of his Essex Camera Shop “family.” Zaharis bought the Essex Camera Shope in 1980 and ran it for more than twenty years. It quickly became a gathering place for both professional and amateur photographers. John Hurley shares, “Pete was known for his generosity. He shared his amazing knowledge of photography with anyone who was willing to listen and went out of his way to help young photographers, like myself, get a start in their professional careers. After closing the store, Pete went into the darkroom and produced a body of work that is the centerpiece of the show. In addition, photographs by his camera shop “family” including Paul Bilodeau, Jeff Dykes, Mark Garfinkel, Ellen Hardy, John Hurley, Charlie Johnson, Bill Kelley, Frank Kulik, Scott Lanes, Laurie Levine, Charlie Lipson, Mary Manos, Trip Mason, Jim McAllister, Alex Panos, Frank Quimby, Jim Scourlitis and Kirk Williamson will be on display. As well as an iconic watercolor of the Essex Camera Shop storefront by Racket Shreve. Very special thanks to Jim McAllister and Pete Zaharis’ daughters, Pam Carakatsane and Mary Manos for organizing this exhibit.