Jeremiah Ariaz at the Beach Museum of Art

Earlier this year I had the honor of photographing my friend and fellow artist, Jeremiah Ariaz, whose work has long inspired me with its depth, clarity, and cultural resonance. Today, Jeremiah is bringing his vision to Kansas State University’s Beach Museum of Art, where he will be giving a talk at 5:30 pm as part of the “Let’s Talk: Local Newspapers” program.

Jeremiah’s work often reflects on the changing landscapes of American life—geographically, socially, and culturally. His recent project, The Fourth Estate in the Heart of America, explores the disappearance of small-town newspapers across Kansas. In this body of work, he not only documents empty newsrooms and shuttered presses but also meditates on the role journalism plays in shaping community and democracy.

Just this week, he was featured in the Kansas Reflector for his Kansas State presentation, highlighting the urgency and poignancy of his project on shrinking local newspapers. His photographs invite us to pause and consider what is lost when a town’s newspaper—once the lifeblood of local connection—goes silent.

Beyond The Fourth Estate, Jeremiah is widely recognized for his diverse bodies of work, all of which carry his signature blend of thoughtful observation and visual storytelling. You can explore more of his projects on his website jeremiahariaz.com.

I’m deeply grateful to have spent time photographing him and witnessing his practice firsthand. Jeremiah is not only a remarkable artist but also a generous and thoughtful presence in the creative community. If you’re in Manhattan, Kansas, I encourage you to attend his talk this evening at the Beach Museum of Art—you won’t want to miss it.