Main Street Gallery will showcase the wildlife photography of Dorchester County resident Mike Dougherty in its summer exhibition, Through the Lens of Mike Dougherty: In Plain Sight, running July 3 through Aug. 30.
The exhibit features photographs highlighting wildlife found throughout Maryland’s forests, rivers and bays, as well as species photographed closer to home in Dougherty’s own backyard.
Dougherty said his interest in photography intensified in 2021 and has continued to grow in the years since.
“I am passionately dedicated to revealing the beauty in subjects that are right in front of us, yet overlooked,” Dougherty said. “That’s exactly what inspired the title of this show, ‘In Plain Sight.'”
An employee of the Maryland Park Service, Dougherty said his work often helps him identify promising locations for wildlife photography, even though he rarely carries a camera while on duty.
“Working for the Park Service still helps a lot because my workday basically doubles as a scouting trip,” he said. “Spending so much time outdoors lets me figure out where wildlife gathers and how the light changes throughout the day. Then I can return with my camera on my days off.”
The collection includes images ranging from warblers photographed in western Maryland’s hemlock forests to insects found in the photographer’s pollinator garden.
Two artist receptions are scheduled during the exhibition. The events will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 12 and Aug. 9, coinciding with Cambridge’s Second Saturday celebrations. Dougherty will give a brief talk about his work at 6 p.m. during the Aug. 9 reception.
Both receptions are free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.
Main Street Gallery, located at 518 Poplar St. in Cambridge’s Arts and Entertainment District, is the city’s only artist-owned and operated cooperative gallery. The gallery is celebrating its 15th year in business.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Artwork may also be viewed and purchased online at mainstgallery.net.
Main Street Gallery is currently accepting submissions from prospective members, guest artists and pop-up artists. Artists interested in participating may contact the gallery through its website or by calling 410-330-4659.
