The current summer show on view in Orange Hall Gallery, entitled Photography and Poetry ~ visual and verse, is a combination of works by 21 photographers and eighteen poets, six of whom have contributed both photographs and poetry. This is not a quick, breeze-through show. Lots to see, read, and enjoy. In fact, a table with writing/drawing materials is set up for those who are inspired to write a poem or sketch a drawing.

The exhibit continues through September 13. With the theme of summer and spring, works reflect where we are in the calendar and evoke a feeling of openness and free thought.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Sometimes photography is considered a secondary art. That is not the case. Photographers are creative in where they take shots which, in fact, may take hours of patience for the right moment. Many photographers “create the opportunity.” Others take action shots. With cameras that require film plus complex digital cameras, and even cellphones, when taken by experienced photographers who consider their work as art, on-the-spot as well as planned or abstract pieces offer viewers on-site glimpses of these artists’ conceptualizations.

Orange Hall is located at SUNY Orange at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues at GPS 24 Grandview Ave., Middletown. Questions may be addressed to Cultural Affairs at cultural@sunyorange.edu. You can visit the website at www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.