Before we say goodbye to REVISITED, Stacy Smith Evan’s fine art photography exhibition that closes on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 5pm, we asked Stacy to share some insights into her work and the exhibition that resulted.

Where did the idea for the project that became REVISITED originate?

This collection started as my pandemic project in 2020 as I rediscovered places very close to home given the travel restrictions. About half of the photos in this exhibition were made within 30 minutes of my home and the farthest location was about two and half hours away.

Were these photographs made at any particular locations?

Yes, I narrowed it down to three locations for this project: Shenandoah National Park, the Manassas Battlefield, and along the C&O Canal and Potomac River.

Why is this project important to you?

I like photographing places that are familiar, where I may have memories as a child or with family and friends, and also where I can witness changes over time. I also like the idea of creating a body of work that highlights the Eastern landscapes where I live.

How did you achieve the atmospheric conditions in these photos?

Fog and mist are more prevalent in the morning hours so I wake up early — sometimes hours before sunrise — to be on location. I find that these conditions lend an ethereal and sometimes mysterious quality to images that is reminiscent of our memories of places. Our memories are not always clear but often how we reimagine a place in our mind.

What was the most challenging part of mounting this exhibition?

Every part! Since this was my first solo exhibition, image selection, layout and sequencing, and decisions over presentation were all challenging. I originally planned on 16-20 standard size prints, but after a portfolio review with Crista Dix, Executive Director of the Griffin Museum of Photography and curator of MEG’s June LUMINOUS exhibit, I opted to go much larger. She suggested a “less is more” approach with larger prints so the viewer could feel like they were walking alongside me. Throughout this process, I had to eliminate some “favorites” that no longer worked well with the others.

How did you decide on the materials?

I usually use black wood frames for my photos, but knew I wanted a natural wood finish to complement the warm tones and subjects of my landscapes. I selected walnut, gallery-style frames handmade by a maker in Ohio. I love the matching splines and organic look of reclaimed wood.

Speaking of favorites, do you have one?

This is one of the most-asked questions in the gallery! I have two: Autumn on the Potomac and In Harmony. I spent a lot of time at these locations in search of the best composition and light so for me personally they are the most rewarding to see on the walls.

Any plans for REVISITED II?

Like most of my projects, this is a long-term one. I enjoy returning to these places every season, every year. I’m planning to focus on each location in more depth in coming months.

REVISITED is on view at MEG through Sunday, September 14, 2025. After the exhibition closes, to see more of Stacy’s work, we recommend:

Visiting MEG, where a selection of her original fine art photographs are part of the collection and available to view daily from 11 am–5 pm.
In October, explore her upcoming exhibition PARALLEL PATHS at the Park View Gallery, Glen Echo Park. Presented with photographer Rebecca Doran, the show traces the interconnected waterways of the Potomac River and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. On view October 4–November 2, 2025. Opening Reception: Saturday, October 4, 6–8 pm.