The Cooksey Gallery at Field Arts & Events Hall opened its spring exhibition, Voyages Monochromatiques (Monochromatic Journeys), on April 15 with a vibrant evening of music, conversation, and photography. Featuring the works of local photographers Thompson Holmes, Richard Kohler, Ernst-Ulrich Schafer, and Philippe Tauran, the exhibit invites visitors to explore the essence of black-and-white photography—where light and shadow tell the story.
A MEMORABLE OPENING NIGHT


Above: Featured artists and Gallery Director Georgia Johnson gather in the Pat Donlin Lobby to introduce the new exhibit. All photos in this blog were taken by Keith Ross.


The opening celebration welcomed guests to an immersive arts experience at Field Hall. The evening began with live music from The Sarah Shea Trio, followed by an introduction from Gallery Manager Georgia Ray Johnson, who recognized the artists and shared a land acknowledgment. Each photographer spoke about their work, creative process, and passion for monochrome photography, offering unique insight into their artistic journeys.
Afterward, guests had the chance to ask questions, connect with the artists, and take in the stunning imagery—all while enjoying continued live jazz in the beautifully lit gallery space.

A JOURNEY THROUGH LIGHT, SHADOW, & STORYTELLING
Running through June 8th, Voyages Monochromatiques is a striking collection of work that strips away color to focus on form, contrast, and composition. By using only black, white, and shades of gray, the artists reveal a deeper emotional and visual narrative in each frame.
The exhibit challenges viewers to reconsider how they perceive photography. As one visitor commented, “Without color, I found myself seeing more—not less. The emotion, the texture, the depth—it all felt heightened.”




Whether capturing the raw textures of nature, the quiet moments of human life, or the abstract interplay of light and shadow, each image reflects the incredible skill and vision of these local photographers.
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS FEATURED IN THE GALLERY




Each featured photographer brings decades of experience to this shared visual journey, showing how the monochrome medium can highlight texture, emotion, and narrative in ways that full-color photography often cannot. It’s a moving exploration of perspective, inviting guests to slow down, observe, and reflect.

VISIT THE LAURA COOKSEY GALLERY AT FIELD HALL
Located in downtown Port Angeles, the Laura Cooksey Gallery at Field Hall is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10AM–2PM. Donations are always appreciated to support the continuation of free visual arts programming.
This exhibit is on display until June 8th and is a must-see for photography lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the expressive power of black-and-white imagery.