Heather Palecek: In Stillness

December 15 2025 - March 2, 2026

Artist's Reception, January 22, 2026, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Heather Palecek is an analogue photographer working at the intersection of historical photographic processes and the natural world. Specializing in pinhole photography, lumen printing, cyanotype, and mixed-media camera-less techniques, she pushes these methods in innovative ways—often creating in collaboration with sunlight, water, weather, time, and the element of chance.

In Stillness invites viewers to pause and consider the complex relationships humans share with the environment, from climate change and environmental degradation to spiritual reverence for the land.

About the Artist

Palecek holds a degree in Fine Art Education and Photography from Montclair State University. Since 2010, she has been a dedicated high school photography educator in New Jersey and teaches immersive workshops on alternative and historical photographic processes throughout the region. As the leader of the NJ Pinhole Club, she fosters a vibrant community of photographers. Her award-winning work has been exhibited locally and internationally.

Artist Statement

I create artwork at the intersectionality of historical photographic processes and the natural world with innovative practices that push the boundaries of pinhole photography and camera-less methods in the ideological spirit of a process artist. My approach to photography is rooted in both classical training and a deep love of discovery through experimentation. I work slowly and mindfully, while accepting the element of chance, and have been focusing my pursuits on creating art in collaboration with the natural world—allowing its rhythms to shape my images. Sunlight, Water, Phenols, Weather, and Time combine with the silver minerals of my photo materiality to convey an important message about the relationships between humans and the environment. Having grown up in the woods of northeastern USA, I developed a profound connection to nature, which is a catalyst for my methods of creation and informs my work on both an intellectual and spiritual level.

My various projects explore the complex relationships humans share with nature—ranging from the urgent realities of climate change and environmental degradation, to the more spiritual connections we have with the land. Themes such as the impact of single-use plastics, the challenges posed by invasive species, and the reverence for nature’s divinity are central to my practice. Ultimately, I am inviting viewers to reflect on their personal relationships with nature and inspire a deeper mindfulness to environmental stewardship.

Visiting the Silva Gallery:

Appointments can be made via 609–737–4133 or silvagallery@pennington.org.

Appointments are available Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Accommodations can be made for groups of 6 or more on Tuesday evenings (6:00-8:00 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (12:00-2:00 p.m.).

48 hours of advanced notification is required for appointments as all visitors will need to be placed on our visitor log.

The Silva Gallery is ADA accessible.

Parking: Enter the campus of The Pennington School at the main entrance off of West Delaware Avenue between the two brick pillars. Proceed to the T and turn right, and you will see four visitor spots on the left. If visitor spots are filled, please park in any open spot not marked Admission.