Joe Stratton is a life-long resident of the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts and a proud New Englander. An aspiring photographer, he revels in telling the story of the region through photographs, creating intimate shots that pull the viewer in, making them feel as though they are there, experiencing the moment for themselves. An avid fan of the outdoors, particularly of the coast in the summer and the mountains in the fall, a great many of his photos take place in these settings. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, whose recent fall magazine issue featured two of his photos, in 2020 with a degree in business, he spent a few years working in corporate America as a part of the financial services industry. In late 2024, he left in pursuit of a different path and has recently decided to take his lifelong interest in photography to the next level. A self-taught individual, working with both digital and 35 mm film cameras, he has begun the work of breaking into the field, attending local arts and crafts shows and connecting with fellow artists. On top of becoming a member of Artworks Westfield, he has participated in the Westfield Winter Walk as well as the Old Deerfield Craft Fair, with an eye on further events in the near future to continue his journey down this newfound path. Joe is currently a featured artist at Spectrum Gallery’s Summer Art Festival on the Essex Town Green.

Christmas in Essex, Lustre Print, 12×18; Pathway to Summer, Lustre Print, 12×18; Sunset on Bowen’s Wharf, Lustre Print, 12×18