According to Christopher Kaspar, the start of Shifts can be traced back to his and Greg Martin’s participation in group shows at Photocentric, curated by Michael Loderstedt. It was amidst these exhibitions that they found themselves drawn to each other’s creative processes, recognizing the subtle nuances that distinguished their respective styles. They are exhibiting together this summer at BAYarts.

The pair began a collaborative dialogue by brainstorming a bunch of ideas that would showcase their different styles. They used words like “time,” “temporal,” “tectonic,” “shifts,” and “technology.” Each word had potential. Yet, it was the simplicity of shifts that resonated most—a single word with layers of meaning, reflecting the dynamic interplay of their creative visions.

At the heart of Shifts lies a dual invitation extended to the viewer—one of narrative discovery and technological exploration. Observers are invited to find their own stories that resonate with their own experiences. Whether it’s a fleeting moment frozen in time, or an alternate reality made through digital manipulation, each image serves as a starting point for the viewer’s reflection and interpretation.

Moreover, Shifts serves as a statement about how technology is used alongside conventional tools and ideas. Kaspar and Martin are challenging conventional tools and techniques to push the boundaries of what traditional photography is or was. They celebrate the innovation and ingenuity that happens when creativity intersects with technology.

Shifts opens in the Sullivan Family Gallery on Friday, August 9, and runs through October 5.

EVENTS

Allison Bogard-Hall: Alchemy Dreams, June 7. Gallery opening 5-8pm in the Sullivan Gallery

BAYarts’ Thursday Market, 4-7pm June 13 and every Thursday through September. Vendors, food truck, music.

School Of Rock, concert 7-9pm Sunday, June 16. Free admission; concessions

BAYarts’ Annual Art & Music Festival, 10am-4pm Saturday, June 22. 70+ vendors, Small Craft Advisory, food trucks, kids activities. Free admission & parking. Vendors: Karen@bayarts.net

Serious Nature, concert 7-9pm Sunday, June 23. Free admission; concessions

Rey Citron’s Rice & Beans Band, concert 7-9pm Sunday, June 30. Free admission; concessions

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival: Midsummer Night’s Dream, 7pm Sunday, July 7. Free admission; concessions

Anne Manley: Pause, July 12. Gallery opening 5-8pm in the Sullivan Gallery

Shifts: Christopher Kaspar and Greg Martin, August 9–October 5

BARK in the PARK Benefit, noon-4pm Friday, August 16. Vendors, music, lots of dogs! Free admission

CONCERTS

Free admission; concessions available.

Tweed, 7-9pm Sunday, July 14

Blues Deville, 7-9pm Sunday, July 21

Kingfish, 7-9pm Sunday, July 28

Hoodoo BBQ, 7-9pm Sunday, August 4

OMF, 7-9pm Sunday, August 11