The arts community is alive and active in Camden, New Jersey. This past Saturday, Her Lens, Her Story: First Annual PhotograpHERS Exhibition opened at the Jersey Photography Education Gallery (JPEG), located in the heart of the city. The exhibition honors Women’s History Month by featuring the work of local women photographers.

Curator Delilah Velazquez Mendez said it was important for her to launch the show as soon as possible. During the artist talk, she expressed her vision and appreciation to the large audience in attendance.

“This is so kind of surreal and crazy that I was able to pull this off for all of you guys to come out here in less than a month,” Velazquez Mendez said. “We had over 50 submissions from across the United States [and we] chose one photograph from all of the women that submitted their photographs. We saw some really incredible work here.”

Above all else, the exhibition team prioritized creative expression. With no specific theme required for submission, their goal was to highlight the diverse artistic perspectives of women photographers. The featured artists came from a range of backgrounds and experience levels, with many hailing from Camden and nearby areas.

For many of the artists, photography is an outlet for self-expression.

“Through photography, I was able to express the internal and external struggles I faced with self-acceptance and identity,” self-portrait photographer Priscilla Rios said. “I got to see myself [and] who I am deep inside … I don’t have to fit into somebody else’s mold.”

Some of the displayed pieces explore racial, social, or political barriers women face.

“My work is kind of dedicated to infertility,” photographer Megan Moore said. “I feel like it’s super important, in that a lot of women don’t talk about [it] but go through [it]. So just know … you’re not alone.”

The event was cathartic for both the artists and the audience. Several speakers became emotional while sharing their personal connections to their work and gratitude for being part of the collective.

Camden-based artist Yocontalie Jackson said her photograph of a vacant home on Fourth Street is deeply personal. She explained that the piece reflects the contrast between Camden’s perception and its reality.

“In essence, what I wanted to show [is that] in the midst of all the vacancy, there’s so much to be seen here in the city of Camden: how it has come back, how it is thriving,” Jackson said. “When [people] hear Camden, they think about a lot of negative things. But the reality is, there’s a lot of positive things here, and there’s a lot of love that’s here.”

Erik James Montgomery, fine art photographer and owner of JPEG, said he is helping lead Camden’s revival through the arts. Since JPEG launched last year, Montgomery has hosted several events to uplift local artists and promote racial and social justice. More than an art gallery, JPEG has become a community haven and a place for empowerment.

“Camden is going through a renaissance right now. We have musicians and artists, photographers and writers coming back to Camden to really build up the community,” Montgomery said. “We wanted to open this organization here to be a hub for the arts, for Camdenites, and for everybody around the area.”

The exhibition’s opening drew a large crowd and received positive feedback, underscoring the demand for more events that celebrate and support the arts.

Her Lens, Her Story started a conversation about women’s experiences and brought people together. Councilwoman Soria-Pérez, who was also in attendance, emphasized the exhibition’s impact and commended the artists for their work.

“Art is so important. It’s a precious gift to witness your story, your lens,” the Councilwoman said. “This is what this is about—seeing through someone else’s eyes, allowing yourself the humbleness to say, ‘let me take a step back and see life through someone else’s perspective.’ … I congratulate you, I admire you, [and] thank you. Long live the arts.