FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Alisa Beck, Exhibition Curator
334-301-8180
MAP360 Presents “Through the Lens: Jewell’s Light,” Celebrating Photography and Community Connection
Exhibition honoring Montgomery photographer and advocate Jewell Cobb Pitts opens
November 15 at Kress on Dexter
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — October 20, 2026 — MAP360 announces Through the Lens: Jewell’ s Light, a photographic exhibition celebrating the life, work and extraordinary community spirit of beloved Montgomery photographer and advocate Jewell Cobb Pitts. The exhibition opens Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Kress on Dexter in downtown Montgomery and remains on view through May 31, 2027. An opening reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on opening day in the MAP360 Kress Community Room, 39 Dexter Avenue.
The exhibition presents a selection of Pitts’ photographs alongside work by five contemporary photographers: Nico Giquel, Grayson McDaniel, Ellen Mertins, Alejandro Perez and April Terry. Each brings a different perspective on the people, places and experiences that shape Montgomery.
Known for her infectious smile, generous heart and ability to bring people together, Jewell spent years documenting the celebrations, milestones and everyday experiences that make Montgomery unique. Her photographs offer a vivid record of the city and the lives intertwined within it. Jewell’s sudden passing in February 2026 left a profound absence among those whose lives she touched, yet her photographs continue to share the joy, compassion and curiosity she brought to everything she did.
“Jewell had an extraordinary gift for making people feel important,” said Alisa Beck, Montgomery artist and exhibition curator. “Whether photographing a familiar face or someone she had just met, she approached everyone with genuine curiosity and kindness. Her images remind us that the smallest moments can become our most meaningful memories. Through this exhibition, we hope to celebrate not only her photographs but the relationships and stories behind them.”
“Art is how a community understands and remembers who it is,” said Sarah Beatty Buller, founder and president of MAP360. “When people gather to look at this remarkable collection of photographs, of their city and neighbors, I expect community to connect and conversations to grow.”
A Community Celebration
Presented by MAP360 in partnership with the family of Jewell Cobb Pitts, the exhibition reflects a commitment to artistic expression, cultural preservation and civic engagement. Throughout its run, Jewell’ s Light will provide a setting for conversations, storytelling and creative programming that invite visitors to reflect on the relationships and experiences that unite us. The exhibition also supports Montgomery’s creative community by bringing together photographers, artists, cultural organizations and local businesses in a shared celebration of art and connection. Guests attending the opening reception are encouraged to bring a photograph, share a favorite
memory or tell a story about how Jewell touched their lives.
“Jewell was a passionate advocate for those whose voices too often went unheard,” said Maggie Stringer, speaking on behalf of the Pitts family. “Whether championing Dream Court, aviation opportunities, tennis in underserved neighborhoods, or tennis and pickleball for older adults, she saw a need and worked to make a difference. Her kindness reached across generations, abilities and circumstances, making people feel valued and included. This collection reflects her love for Montgomery and her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate and belong.”
“At a time when so many people feel disconnected, divided, and uncertain, our community needs spaces that bring us together, remind us of our shared humanity, and help us see the beauty in one another. Jewell Cobb Pitts understood the power of human connection, and her photography reminds us that even the simplest moments can bridge differences and strengthen our sense of
belonging. Through this exhibition, we hope the Kress Community Room will be a place where people feel seen, stories are shared, and community is not just something we talk about, but something we experience,” said Dr. Shakita Brooks Jones, MAP360 Program Manager.
Exhibition Access and Community Space
The exhibition will be open during Prevail Jazz Night openings on Thursdays, with additional viewings available by appointment. To arrange a viewing or request a guided tour of the collection, contact Alisa Beck at alisabeck20@gmail.com or 334-301-8180.
During the Jewell’s Light exhibition, the MAP360 Kress Community Room will be available for bookings for events centered on community connection. Organizations dear to Jewell are especially invited to use the space through May 31, 2027, continuing her spirit of bringing people together. For booking inquiries, contact Dr. Shakita Brooks Jones at Shakita@map360.org.
More information about the exhibition and related programming is available at
https://map360.org/exhibitions/jewells-light.
Exhibition Information
Through the Lens: Jewell’s Light — A Photographic Exhibition
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 15, 2026, 2–4 p.m.
Location: MAP360 Kress Community Room, 39 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
Exhibition Dates: November 15, 2026 – May 31, 2027
Public Access: Thursdays during Prevail Jazz Night openings; additional viewings and guided
tours available by appointment
Curator: Alisa Beck
Presented by: MAP360, in partnership with the family of Jewell Cobb Pitts
Website: https://map360.org/exhibitions/jewells-light
ABOUT MAP360
MAP360 is a Montgomery-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to inspire a human renaissance through the creative arts, culture, and storytelling. We envision a world where the arts are recognized as infrastructure: a cultural, social, and economic engine that drives communities, revitalizes local economies, and deepens understanding of our shared humanity. Our work rests on three pillars: Catalyzing Artist Careers, Connecting Community, and Championing Culture. Since 2018, MAP360 has funded artists and entrepreneurs, produced landmark public art, brought arts programming into schools, and archived community stories.
Our activities include artist residencies in downtown Montgomery; a Visiting Artist Fellowship pairing international artists with local talent; the 2Gether Collaboration Grants regranting program for artist partnerships; StoryBOOTH, an archive of 500+ recorded community stories; documentary film; and free public concerts and exhibitions. Each program is built to serve artists, students, community, local business, and the region's historical record at once.