(6/13/2016) This past weekend my husband and I travelled to Wheeling, WV, to preview Jay Stock’s retrospective exhibit, “Just People” at the Stifel Fine Art Center. During our visit, we spent time with Jay and his three daughters, who hosted the reception.

Long before I became one of his students, I admired his work and his way of teaching, best expressed in his own words, “The true role of a teacher is guiding one to believe in one’s own capabilities.”

What is most striking about his memorable images, is their ability to tell stories with empathy and respect for each human subject. By taking the time to see them and learn about them, Jay is able to capture and share the dignity and beauty of his subjects, in the midst of their real lives.

I first went to hear him speak in 1978. In the mid-90s I joined his mentoring group, and I have participated in at least 13 of his workshops over the years.

“Just People” runs through August 12, 2016.

Pictured are Jay and three of his many students.