MOUNDSVILLE — The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex will host the works of Ohio Valley Photography Club members during the organization’s June exhibit.

The free exhibit, featuring 20 pieces from club members, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in June at the museum on 801 Jefferson Avenue in Moundsville.

Ohio Valley Photography Club Communications Director Sharon Slokan said the exhibit has no theme, with club members choosing various subjects to photograph. Members submitted their best recent pieces for the exhibit.

“There was no theme, so we have a variety of photos on display,” Slokan said. “Members just take photos of what interests them, from fireworks to landscapes. Our club members have various skill levels, including pros to people just learning photography, so all kinds of work are included.”

While the exhibit has no theme, Slokan noted that many pieces involve nature and wildlife. One of her favorite works is a photograph of a baby gorilla at the Pittsburgh Zoo, “Joy to the World” by club member Greta Foose.

“Greta has a picture of a baby gorilla from the Pittsburgh Zoo that is so cute,” Slokan said. “The gorilla is doing something with his hands and just speaks to you through the photo. Other members submitted photos of landscapes, birds and flowers, so here’s a lot of nature photography at the exhibit.”

Slokan encourages anyone interested in photography to stop by the exhibit and check out the club. She noted that new members can join during the group’s bimonthly meetings. The club currently has 35 members.

All skill levels using any type of equipment, from high-end to phone cameras, are welcome to join. Slokan said the club strives to “explore the creative vision” and “expand the technical knowledge” of each member in a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.

The group meets in person at West Virginia Northern Community College at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and on Zoom at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Those interested in joining the club are welcome to attend two meetings before paying dues.

The monthly membership fee includes guest speakers, educational opportunities and photography excursions. The club has recently displayed its work at the Wheeling Artisan Center and the Belmont County Museum. Club members also participate in external shows and competitions, with some members’ work being juried award winners.

“It’s a nice group of people where everybody is supportive of what stage someone is in their photography journey,” Slokan said. “Some members just want to show their pictures during their meetings, while others want to learn how to take better photographs. We have very, very friendly meetings that also serve as a learning experience.”

Slokan said members can learn a variety of skills during club meetings, including how to control exposure, correctly compose a photo and use intentional camera movement.

“Once you begin to go to meetings, you start to look for certain things in photographs, whether it’s the exposure or how it’s composed,” Slokan said. “It can be an eye-opening experience as you learn about the art. It can even change how you see things when you look outside- you could begin to see a flower in a way you never had before through photography.”

For more information about the club, email ohiovalleyphotoclub@gmail.com or message the group’s Facebook page, “Ohio Valley Photography Club.”