Jeff Server Photography at Inkberry Books: An exhibit with a sting

Photography and beekeeping are Jeff Server's passions, but he did not expect to be talking about both at the opening of his photography exhibit at Inkberry Books.

On the evening of Friday, May 3, Gene Hayworth and Keith Waters of Inkberry Books hosted one of their frequent receptions highlighting the works of local artists. Niwot resident Server, whose photography will be on display throughout May, is featured this month.

Several attendees, expecting to hear Server's remarks about his eight pieces on display in the bookstore, arrived promptly for the opening. However, when Jeff and Dawn Server were late arriving, it was apparent that something was amiss.

It happened that earlier that day nearby homeowners had discovered a most-unwanted bee swarm on their property. The Servers are well-known in Niwot for their company, Meadow Lake Honey, where they tend beehives and harvest honey. They were more than happy to capture, remove, then relocate the troublesome bees to their own property. This is normally a simple and safe exercise. Swarming bees tend to be docile and follow the queen into the capture container.

This time, however, the exercise proved to be much more challenging. When the Servers did arrive at the reception, it was with swollen limbs from numerous bee stings. Medication had reduced their discomfort and they were in surprisingly high spirits. The episode inspired an unexpected and spirited introductory question and answer session about their experience.

The exhibit itself included Server's lovely, muted, filtered photographs, which one attendee described as "calming." Server concentrates on landscapes within a radius of ten miles of Niwot, with just one photo in this exhibit taken in Destin, Florida.

Server mentioned that for the second time, his photographs will appear in an upcoming national photography exhibit in Louisville. This year, of 900 entries in the Louisville Art Association National Juried Photography Show and Sale, 100 were selected as finalists which will be on display. Two of Server's photographs are among them.

He added that one of his daughters is also among the finalists. Having inspired her interest in photography, he couldn't conceal the quiet pride in his smile. The show runs from May 24 to June 2 at the Louisville Center for the Arts at 801 Grant Avenue.

Artist receptions at Inkberry Books are relaxed community events which attract neighbors and friends. The location in a bookstore encourages discussions about reading and book recommendations. Hayworth and Waters have library and music backgrounds and are excellent hosts who make a point of drawing their guests into conversations with one another.