A collection of color photographic studies of megaliths—large rocks found in prehistoric monuments—done by Rochester native James M. Via will be on exhibit from Thursday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hartnett Gallery in Wilson Commons on the University of Rochester's River Campus. An opening reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the gallery.
Megaliths are found throughout the world, with the greatest concentration in France and Great Britain. Their original purpose has never been proved, though they have been classed as tombs, highway markers, ancestor monuments, and ritual sites. In "Megaliths," Via explores the silence, endurance, and enigma of the stones. Most of the photographs were taken at sites in France.
Via taught photography at the University of the South in Tennessee, was an exhibits preparator at the George Eastman House, and served as director of the photography studio at Strong Museum. Over the past decade he has operated his own commercial studio and is currently printing and cataloging three decades of his own photographs.
Via received his bachelor's degree from Bradley University and his master of fine arts degree from Illinois State University and did postgraduate work at the Visual Studies Workshop.
Hartnett Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call (585) 275-4188 during gallery hours or (585) 275-5911 at other times.