August 25, 2026, Santa Rosa, CA — Santa Rosa Junior College will celebrate the 46-year career of longtime staff photographer Tom Chown with a photography exhibition featuring images from his decades at the college, from the days of film and darkrooms to the digital era.
“Tom Chown: 46 Years Behind the Lens” will be on display Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 1, 2026, in the Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery on the Santa Rosa Campus. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. An artist walk-through and question-and-answer session with Chown will take place Thursday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m.
Chown began his career at SRJC at age 24, working in the campus photography lab. Over the next 46 years, he became a familiar presence throughout the college community, documenting the people, programs and milestones that shaped generations of students and employees.
As an official SRJC photographer, Chown photographed Summer Repertory Theatre and Theatre Arts productions, student activities, athletics, commencements, academic programs, campus leadership and countless other college events. His work captured both the major moments and everyday experiences that make up the life of a community college.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing so much of SRJC through my camera over the past 46 years,” said Chown. “This exhibit is a chance to look back at some of those moments and celebrate the people and experiences that made my time at the college so meaningful.”
The exhibition will trace Chown’s evolution as a photographer, from working with film and developing photographs in the darkroom to embracing digital photography. It also offers a visual history of SRJC, preserving moments from nearly five decades of college life.
A selection of photographs in the exhibit will be available for bidding, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the SRJC Foundation’s Jeanne Chown Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Established in 1998 in honor of Chown’s mother, the scholarship supports students pursuing careers in nursing.
In addition to his work at SRJC, Chown owns Tom Chown Photography, where he continues to pursue professional photography, specializing in portraiture, weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
The exhibition is free and open to the public.
What: Tom Chown Photography Exhibition
When: Sept. 8–Oct. 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept. 10, 4–6 p.m.
Closing Artist Walk-Through and Q&A: Thursday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m.
Where: Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery, Santa Rosa Junior College
Cost: Free
For more information, contact Tom Chown at 707-327-7072 or info@tomchownphoto.com, or Chris Woodcock at cwoodcock@santarosa.edu. Photos available upon request.
