For the Miami Valley Today

PIQUA — In September of 2021, Mainstreet Piqua lost a long-time volunteer and friend of the organization. Keith Stoler had been the “official event photographer” for dozens of Mainstreet events for over 20 years, and in September, he passed away from COVID complications. To celebrate Keith’s life and to express appreciation for his many contributions to the organization, Mainstreet Piqua will be hosting a photography exhibit of Keith Stoler’s images at the Piqua Public Library. The exhibit will be held in the Rollin Gallery on the library’s second floor through Friday, April 1, 2022.

The photography exhibit features 30 large-format images of downtown Piqua events, activities and celebrations carefully selected to not only capture the breadth of his subjects but also to showcase Keith’s extraordinary talent as a photographer. Mainstreet Piqua was not the only organization to benefit from Keith’s photography skills – he also used them to benefit the Piqua City Schools, Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and city of Piqua.

Cecelia Stoler, Keith’s widow and a part-time employee of Mainstreet Piqua, is helping with the exhibit.

“Keith loved taking pictures of events for Mainstreet Piqua,” said Cecelia. “His photos captured the overall event but he also caught close-in shots and details that he thought were important.” In addition to the photographs, there will also be an exhibit case featuring some of Keith’s personal photographs, equipment and mementos from his years as a photographer.

“Selecting photographs for his exhibit was very difficult,” said Lorna Swisher, executive director of Mainstreet Piqua. “We had literally dozens of CD’s of photographs from over 20 years of activities in downtown Piqua. This exhibit is a perfect way to show our appreciation for Keith’s many contributions to the Piqua community, and specifically Mainstreet Piqua,” said Swisher. Keith’s images have been used for marketing, website and printed materials for the organization for years.

The Piqua Public Library’s Rollins Gallery is open during regular library hours; Monday through Thursday 10 a.m to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The photography exhibit is presented by Michael Web Solutions and Mainstreet Piqua. Anyone interested in purchasing images in the exhibit is asked to contact Mainstreet Piqua at 937-773-9355. Each image (frame included) is $40.