Orion Art Gallery & Studio in Watertown, New York, is hosting a photography exhibition titled "What Caught my Eye" by Gary Walts, on display from May 23 through June 27, 2026. Walts, an award-winning photojournalist born in Watertown in 1954, spent over 30 years working for Syracuse Newspapers and freelancing for outlets like the Associated Press and USA Today, with his work appearing in Life, Time, and other major publications. The gallery also offers classes in watercolor, painting, figure drawing, and ceramics, and hosts the annual Jefferson County / 1000 Islands Plein Air Artist’s Competition in August.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the career of a local photographer who achieved national and international recognition, including being a runner-up in the Alfred Eisenstaedt Awards for Magazine Photography. It also underscores the role of small community galleries like Orion Art Gallery in providing accessible art experiences and educational opportunities, fostering regional artistic talent and engagement.