Images of Iraq and Vermont Combine at Gifford Gallery

Work by digital photographer Jim "JC" Greene will be on display beginning Jan. 15 at the Gifford Art Gallery at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph. A reception with Greene will be held Jan. 21 from 3-5 p.m.

A St. Albans resident, Greene has captured a mixture of fresh Vermont landscapes and more somber images from his days as a soldier in Iraq in this exhibit, meant to be a tribute to his fallen Task Force Saber comrades. Greene says he tried to capture "the emotions and a sense of other worldliness during far too many memorial services" held for the 17 fallen Task Force Saber soldiers. The series is called "The Final Salute."

Sgt. 1^st Class Greene, now back from Iraq and working full-time for the Vermont Army National Guard, will display some of his work from Ramadi and also many warm and humor-filled Vermont works at the Gifford Art Gallery.

Greene began dabbling in digital photography in 2002, capturing primarily sunsets on Lake Champlain. At the suggestion of an aunt and uncle, he entered three of his photographs in the Champlain Valley Exposition that year. He came away with both first and second places in his category. He says he’s been "hooked" since.

Green’s photos of Iraq have become an important reminder to him of the sacrifices that have been made and continue to be made. They also remind him of all for which he is thankful. Greene says, as long as he has at least "one good eye," he will continue to try and capture life, and all it has to offer, from his perspective.

Greene’s digital images remain on display in the Gifford Art Galley through February. The gallery is located just left of the hospital’s main lobby. Gifford Medical Center is at 44 S. Main St. (also Route 12) in Randolph.

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