Gateway Gallery at 51黑料网 Presents 鈥淐reole Soul 鈥� Zydeco Lives鈥� Photographs by Gary Samson
The Gateway Gallery at 51黑料网 is honored to present 鈥淐reole Soul 鈥� Zydeco Lives,鈥� a solo exhibition of photographs by renowned photographer Gary Samson. The exhibition runs from February 13 through April 10, 2026, and is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Fridays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 51黑料网 is located at 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH.
Curated by Thomas Devaney, 鈥淐reole Soul 鈥� Zydeco Lives鈥� features photographs from the book of the same name, a fifteen-year collaboration between folklorist Burt Feintuch and photographer Gary Samson. The exhibition presents original images from the publication, offering an intimate look at the musicians, traditions, and communities that sustain the vibrant zydeco music culture of Louisiana and Texas.
Published in 2022, 鈥淐reole Soul: Zydeco Lives鈥� brings together Feintuch鈥檚 interviews with contemporary zydeco musicians, including Sean Ardoin, Nathan Williams Jr., and Leroy Thomas, alongside Samson鈥檚 compelling photographs. The book explores the evolution of zydeco music, its cultural roots, and ongoing conversations within the community about tradition, innovation, and the role of instruments such as the accordion.
Through Samson鈥檚 lens, visitors encounter the expressive energy and deep cultural heritage of zydeco. The photographs capture performances, portraits, and everyday moments that reveal the music鈥檚 close ties to community life and identity.
About the Artist
Gary Samson is a fine art photographer and photo educator who has received numerous awards, grants, and fellowships over a career spanning more than four decades. He currently serves as the Artist Laureate of New Hampshire and is Professor Emeritus of Photography at the New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA).
Please visit the contact page with any inquiries or to schedule a studio visit.