Peter Kopher, Legacy Exhibit
July 5 - September 1
Retrospective exhibit honoring the photographic work of the late Peter Kopher.
The exhibit is on view July 5, 2024 – September 1, 2024
The gallery is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00-5:00 pm or by appointment.
Artists Reception Saturday, July 13, 2024 5:00-7:00 pm. Receptions are always free and open to the public.
Biography:
Peter A. Kopher of Warwick NY, passed away on January 2, 2023 at the age of 66 years old. Peter was an integral part of the Orange County, NY arts scene. He was a member of Wallkill River Center for the Arts and exhibited regularly and notably won First Place in the People’s Choice Award for his photograph “Into the Mist” in 2021. Peter was also active in the Goshen Art League and the Warwick Art League.
Peter A. Kopher had an insightful and astute eye as a photographer. He was particularly talented at photographing ordinary objects but through incisive, minimalist inspired composition and selective use of the view finder, he elevated humble scenes, and revealed them to be ironic, contemplative, sometimes humorous and often elegant.
He was also an avid swimmer and hiker, managing to hike the NY, NJ, and PA portions of the Appalachian Trail. He adored nature; his favorite book was “Walden” by Thoreau. He most often found his own true self while walking outdoors. He was a great lover of animals, including his two beloved rescue cats, Cassie and Prudence. He was a devoted son, brother, father and husband.
Born in Rockville Centre, NY on September 29, 1956, he was the son of Raymond and Joan (Creeden) Kopher. Peter attended school in Farmingdale, New York. He participated in several high school theatrical productions and also earned a high NYSSMA rating for his sousaphone playing. After high school graduation, Peter received a scholarship to the New York Institute of Technology, where he studied Communication Arts. He searched for work combining his love of theatre with his technical skills, and eventually earned his union card for membership in Local #1, the International Actors and Theatre Stage Union (IATSE). In a career spanning 30 years as a stagehand and lighting assistant, he had countless fascinating stories to tell. He was a hard worker and well respected among his colleagues. His work credits included MTV, Silent Library, a one-year stint with the Broadway production of Les Miz, The Rachael Ray Show, Lighting Director for the Jon Stewart show, Project Runway, lighting the big tree at Rockefeller Center, SNL, the US Open tennis tournament, and countless other free-lance jobs. Peter and his wife, Sally, became residents of Warwick NY in 2013, following a move from Seaford, NY after Superstorm Sandy displaced him from his home – a roomy and unique housebarge which was moored on the Great South Bay.
Peter is survived by his wife of 11 years, Sally (McCalmont) Kopher; twin daughters Caitlin Wilmot and her husband Josh of Rochester, NY; and Cristin Kopher of New York, NY; step-daughters Sarah Sica and her husband Ramiro Flores of Brooklyn and Anna Sica of Fairfield, IA; grandson Bradley Wilmot; and sister Linda Finch of Columbia, SC. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Laurie Parrish.
