Photographer’s inaugural exhibit attributed to his love of family, friends, nature

Paul Humenik, a longtime Monroeville resident and self-taught photographer, is ready to share his work with the community.

The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library are hosting his exhibit – “Mother Nature’s Affects” — from Aug. 29 to Sept. 23 at the library’s gallery space. An open reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 13.

His collection features many regions of the United States and, according to Humenik, highlights “the wonders of nature as well as its transformative dominion over built structures while encouraging an emotional personal experience.” Humenik enjoys photographing old buildings and structures, especially ones where nature has taken over.

The college instructor and academic advisor became interested in photography less than a decade ago, but his lifelong love of nature helped to inspire his camera work.

“I always wanted to be outside as a kid and I loved camping,” Humenik said. “But I just started messing around with an old Kodak around seven or eight years ago. And I began taking rides down the bike trail to Homestead.”

Humenik became more focused after his son Dylan gave him a Canon camera – an upgrade from the Kodak.

“Over the years, I’ve been in 10 different states,” he said. Trips included New Jersey to visit extended family, Florida to see his older daughter Katherine, Colorado with close friends and Nevada for his wife Beth’s birthday. Photographs from all of these adventures will be featured in “Mother Nature’s Affects.”

Once he learned that his pieces would be featured in the Gallery Space, Humenik became even more invested.

“For the exhibit, I had a goal of preparing three pieces a month,” he said.

Humenik also wanted to repurpose old photo frames instead of buying new ones.

“Frames vary. I go to a lot of thrift stores to find older frames,” he said. “I’ll repaint them and match them up with photos. Several times, it just came together. It’s all part of the project, which is fun.”

Most of the photos are 8” x 10” but some are slightly larger. Nearly 40 pieces will be part of the exhibit; the majority have repurposed frames.

Many of Humenik’s pieces will be available for purchase, and he has chosen to donate all proceeds to the friends of the library and The Miracle League of Western PA.

The Miracle League, which is located at Bill Mazeroski Miracle Field at the Rotary Miracle Sports Complex in Murrysville provides the facilities and programs needed to help children and adults with special needs enjoy the excitement of playing a sport. The Miracle League holds a special place for Humenik, whose youngest daughter Jackie played baseball with the group.

In recent years, Humenik has been traveling more in the tri-state area. He attributes much of his work to his travels with his good friends and family, particularly Beth.

“My wife has been instrumental in getting me to this point,” he said.