Picturing The Past: Safford Lock and the Art of Documentary Photography

Explore the legacy of Mason City photographer Safford Lock in this compelling exhibition celebrating his decades-long dedication to capturing life in Mason City and the greater Midwest. As the longtime owner of Lock Photo, Lock documented everyday moments with a vibrant, energetic style that transformed routine scenes into rich visual history. Picturing The Past also includes selections from the Museum’s own photography collection and commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Cerro Gordo Photo Show—an annual juried exhibit launched by Safford and Lena Lock. The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 AM–5 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM–8 PM. Admission is free. For more information visit https://macniderart.org/exhibitions/.