MarthaLee McCarthy’s photographic show, “52Frames,” is now on view through Aug. 27 at the Artisan Depot in Cowan.

McCarthy has enjoyed capturing life’s images since she was young. Inspired by her dad’s love of photography, she signed up for a darkroom class as a sophomore in college and became hooked on what would turn out to be a lifelong passion. 

 In 2003, her husband accepted a job with the University of the South, and the family moved to Sewanee from Georgia. She began working as an English teacher at Franklin County High School where she taught photography to her yearbook journalism students.

 The current show was born while the pandemic was raging when she joined approximately 3,500 other photographers from all over the world in a photo challenge called 52Frames.  Participants in the challenge are given the opportunity to join small groups of other photographers from around the globe to both support and critique one another. 

She is now in her third year of the challenge and has friends in Norway, India, England, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Brazil, as well as others from all over the United States.

McCarthy explains the challenge.

“Each week, participants are given a different theme to capture or a particular technique to execute. The only real requirement, other than accomplishing the task, is that the picture must be taken during the week of the challenge.”

At the end of each week, 52 photographs are selected for special recognition for their quality and the technique used in fulfilling that week’s challenge. 

“To have a photo chosen for the ‘52 Picks’ out of 3,500 entries is an honor that I have been thrilled to receive on four occasions,” McCarthy said.

This eclectic photography show is sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Guild. The Artisan Depot gallery is located at 204 Cumberland St. in Cowan and is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

A reception will be held to meet the artist on July 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery. McCarthy cordially invites members of the community to attend and enjoy the show.