9 native masters of images present their work at Union Art Gallery

UNION, NJ — “Photography: Capturing Visual Epiphany” is a set of labor by 9 native photographers. The exhibit is working till Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. 

The featured artists are Barbara Wirkus, Joel Simpson, Maria Pepe, Joel Estrada, Maria Savidis Markatos, Giftus John, Micayla Mirabella, former Mayor Clifton People Jr. and Mayor James Bowser Jr.

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Union County Commissioner Al Mirabella was in attendance, as his daughter, Micayla, was one of many artists. Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio was additionally in attendance. 

Victoria Duncker, township of Union arts director, welcomed the gathering of photographers. “Anyone can press a shutter, but those of us old enough to remember photo albums know how precious it is to hold a photo in our hands,” she mentioned. 

Directing Curator of the Union Art Gallery Leslie Williams Jenkins mentioned, “The initiation is to further expose the community to fine arts.” 

Regarding his daughter, Al Mirabella mentioned, “I couldn’t be more proud to be here as the father of an artist. I’m bursting with pride. It’s amazing to see this.” 

Micayla Mirabella lives in Rahway and has studied artwork in Italy. She likes to take pictures of individuals she meets – and the place they’re at in her life. “Avant–garde or people in the street,” she mentioned. “People’s differences, like blue hair. Also, ordinary people.”

Maria Pepe, of Union, is a photographer who’s impressed by bushes, roots, our DNA and ancestors. “DNA has no color,” she mentioned. “The race is a social concept.” 

Giftus John, of Union, is a photographer, painter and a husband. He’s impressed by something that has a message. His work included raindrops on a hibiscus and the World Trade Center photographed one month earlier than the 9/11 assaults. 

Maria Savidis Markatos studied images in Kean University within the early Eighties. “Everything inspires me,” she mentioned. “When I see something colorful or I see light in a certain way.” She instructed the story of being in India with a tour information throughout monsoon season. She instructed the tour information to cease the automobile so she may get out and {photograph} the individuals of India gathering marigolds for spiritual ceremonies. 

Photographer Joel Simpson grew up in Union and lived in France and Italy. He’s been a photographer since 1960. His guide, “Faces in the Rocks: Beyond Landscape to Psycho-Geological Photography,” is obtainable on Amazon and in Barnes & Noble shops. He takes photographs of actual rock formations in grottos. He invented his type, which he calls fictional imagery asteroids. 

Visit the Union Arts Center on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/twpunionartscenter/.

Photos by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta