'Facing Franklin' photo exhibit on display in New York until Oct. 31

The exhibition “Facing Franklin” is a tribute to the loved ones of the late Clarence John Guienze who, in 1947, encouraged him to leave his hometown at 18 so that he could chase his dreams out in the world. Decades later, those same people welcomed his daughter, Regina, and created a space so magical that she didn’t discover the brutal reality that was hidden in plain sight until decades later.
“Facing Franklin” has both literal and figurative meanings. Clarence’s portraits of family and friends provide a literal window into this world. Regina faces Franklin figuratively, with tales that differ greatly from her dad’s. Delivered with humor and honesty, at its core, this father/daughter collaboration explores aspects of life that are relatable to many. It is the story of a protective family unit, an ugly world made beautiful through a child’s eyes, and realizations that come only with time.
Clarence died in 2020 at the age of 91. Despite a 30-year career with the Department of Justice, this Renaissance man left an artistic imprint on all that he touched. In the final days of his life, Regina sat at his bedside and whispered to him about an exciting creative project they would do together. He could no longer speak, but she saw a spark in his eyes. Months after acquiring all of his artwork, she met with her friend, artist and curator, Virginia Mallon, and an exhibition of images and stories called “Facing Franklin” was born.
Clarence J. Guienze was born in Franklin in 1929. He developed early interests in art and music, beginning with opera heard on the radio at age six and photography using a Brownie camera at age 11.
He graduated from Southern University, where he served as class president, and later moved to the Pacific Northwest to pursue painting. His work was exhibited at the Otto Seligman Gallery and included twice in the Northwest Annual at the Seattle Museum of Art.
Clarence later worked for the U.S. Department of Justice and served as a commissioner for the State of Maryland. He continued to perform with the New York Chorale Society and the Cantata Singers in Ann Arbor and exhibited photography throughout the Northeast, with reviews in The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
His photographic series Family Matters (1971–2004) documents his family and community, including images taken in Franklin.
“Facing Franklin” welcomed the public with an opening reception on Saturday, October 4 at the Queens College Art Center Gallery located at the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library in Flushing, New York. It will be on view until October 31.