In 2006 Gary Beeber began making documentary films of burlesque shows and accompanying side performances. His focus was on people who led unconventional lives. The films he produced led him to the Triad Theater on West 72^nd Street in Manhattan where he began to produce Gotham Burlesque and at the same time photograph the performers of the variety shows.

Beeber’s series, “Personalities,” is featured in the Griffin Gallery at the Griffin Museum of Photography from July 6 through September 1, 2017. An opening reception will take place on July 13, 2017 from 7-8:30pm. An informal gallery talk by Hamidah Glasgow will take place at 6:15 PM on July 13^th followed by a reception that is open to all. Portfolio reviews with Hamidah will take place on July 14th on a first come first served basis with a portfolio sharing to come.

In Beeber’s exhibition the viewer is introduced to Mona Marlowe a NYC trans-gender nightlife personality. Beeber says, “Mona sacrificed everything in order to become the femme fatale she always wanted to be.” He continues, “When I photographed Mona I remember how intensely the room smelled of perfume.” Other personalities in Beeber’s ensemble include Steve D., a red blooded American with a very strong point of view. Jimmy Mack is another unconventional fellow who Beeber met at a Polar Bear plunge when Mack to raise money for charity arrived in a mermaid costume. Scott Baker (The Twisted Shockmeister), Bettina May (International Burlesque Star), Shelly Watson (the Sinking Siren), Early Ross (late-night host), Mss Vee (late night entertainer), and David Slater (Collage Artist) join the other personalities on the walls of the Griffin Gallery.

Gary Beeber is an award-winning American photographer/filmmaker who has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States and Europe. Solo exhibitions include two at Generous Miracles Gallery NYC and this show (2017) at The Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester MA.  Beeber’s work has been included in juried exhibitions throughout the country. Among Fortune 500 companies who collect his work are Pfizer Pharmaceutical, Goldman Sachs and Chase Bank.