Catch “The Last Picture Show: A Retrospective of Recent Ledger Staff Photographers” at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art before it closes on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The exhibit includes the work of seven recent Ledger staff photographers whose images depict not only events and life in Polk County but also national and international news.
Daryl Ward, executive director of The AGB and guest curator of the exhibit, describes The Ledger’s photojournalists — the last of whom retired in December 2025 — “as talented and disciplined artists who used their imagery to both compliment the accompanying stories AND tell stories of their own through the photos.”
“Our view of the world was shaped by what we woke up and read every morning (in The Ledger) — and that now that avenue of mediation is gone,” Ward said via text.
Ward will lead a free gallery perspectives talk delving into his thoughts about the exhibition on Friday, Aug. 14, at noon. He said that he has invited some of the photographers to attend and discuss their work with patrons. The program is open to the public, and no registration is required.
Ward said he has seen an enthusiastic response to the exhibit from the community. “It affirms that the work of these photographers was not only historically meaningful but that it demonstrated a high level of artistry.”
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