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Local documentarian attempts to photograph entire town

Photo submitted by Studio CPC

Local documentarian attempts to photograph entire town

Traveling exhibit hangs in Kissing Alley this weekend
Sunday, November 15, 2020

This weekend, a traveling photography display produced by The Martian Chronicles SMTX will hang in the Kissing Alley. The display features the culmination of the work of local documentarian, Christopher Paul Cardoza, in his attempt to document an entire town. Having covered the San Marcos social scene for almost a decade, Cardoza has lent his photographic talents to endeavors including collaborations with area businesses, different city entities, community groups, charitable organizations, and a vast array of local artists and musicians throughout his career. This project is a reflection of his life’s work. There is a story with every photo taken behind his lens.

Professional assistance, in the form of installation, promotion and coordination, was provided by Stephanie Symmes of SBS Select Services. Mermaid Society SMTX has included this installation in their Uniquely San Marcos project to foster connections throughout the art community. Sponsorship from Hays County Barbecue and Gumby’s Pizza have helped make this collaboration possible. Support from the Main Street Program of Downtown San Marcos, as well as grant funding from the San Marcos Arts Commission have contributed to the success of this project and are greatly appreciated. The vinyl banners and materials of which they are hung were a result of a critical partnership with Jeannene Herber of Lucky Sky Graphics, as this skilled crew continue to provide invaluable knowledge and great customer service to accommodate the needs of this project.

Photographer and documentarian Christopher Paul Cardoza, born and raised in Rialto, California, moved to San Marcos in 2014. Cardoza studied film-making and directing at San Bernardino Valley College, while combining his education and natural eye for photography, Cardoza has been photographing people, places and events for over 30 years. Cardoza is the owner of C.P.C Photography Studios and founder of The Martian Chronicles SMTX.

Cardoza has been covering the San Marcos community for the last nine years with his photography. He has been vigilant in chronicling life in a small town as it grows and changes. He has captured pictures of places and events that people will look at in times to come. He has been recognized and honored by various organizations and community leaders because of his relentless commitment to capturing the way we live, create, and entertain here in our beautiful community. Most notably, he was recently voted Best Photographer of Hays County and was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Main Street Program.

Hosting locations included the soft opening at Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, with the show being installed in coordination with the Mermaid Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 7 and hanging for outdoor and physically distanced viewing until Monday, Nov. Portraits were taken during the event, and many subjects of photographs attended to view their portrait, to great success.

A follow-up installation at Kissing Alley during the second weekend of November will see the project continue to grow and move throughout the community. This second installation will be available for independent until its dismantling on Monday, Nov. 16. Cardoza will schedule locational portraits during the Downtown Walkabout at Kissing Alley. In addition to this event, visitors of Downtown San Marcos should also consider attending the Farmer’s Market, Art Squared or San Mercado events.

The exhibit will be moved to the Price Center for an ongoing display to be unveiled on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, during a holiday San Mercado event, where it will remain for an extended viewing. Cardoza is looking to photograph an entire town and he needs your help.

Opportunities to book a free studio shoot or public portraits will be available for scheduling – Stay Tuned. Please enjoy these outdoor events for a physicallydistanced art exhibit to observe the people and places of our community through the photographs brought to you by the man behind the mustache, Christopher Paul Cardoza.

For additional information regarding The Martian Chronicles SMTX, or to be a part of this project, please visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/themartianchroniclesmtx.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666