The Round House Cafe photo show – George Forss and me – was taken down tonight, it was a great privilege for me to show my photos alongside my friend George Forss, it was my coming of age as a photographer, an act of honor, recognition and friendship. I am close friends with George and close with Scott Carrino, the co-owner of the cafe, it felt like a circle was completed.

I love sitting in the cafe and watching people look at my pictures and George’s photos. When I first me George, I thought of Willy Loman in “Death Of A Salesman.” Attention must be paid. Attention is being paid to George, he is reeling a bit from it and loving it as well. Attention was paid to my photography too, a lot of people bought my photos and last week I was sitting next to a woman who looked up at the pictures and told her friend, “these photos were taken by Jon Katz.” Really said her friend. “He used to live here,” said the woman. “Where does he live know asked her friend?” The woman shook her head mysteriously. “Nobody knows, I heard he moved.”

I resisted the urge to tap her on the shoulder, I thought it might be cruel. How wonderful for me to see my photos hanging right next to George’s, what an honor, I was blown away by it. Tonight, it was raining out, and the curators were there to hang another show, and so we didn’t really pause to honor the moment, I didn’t even think to get a photo of George and I together at the show, something I think I would have treasured. Maybe I can get one on Sunday, George and I and Maria and Donna are going to see the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls.

Adams loved George’s photos, the two met and spoke. George is often compared to Ansel Adams for his brilliant landscapes and darkroom imaging. I am happy to be going with him to see the exhibit. I am grateful to Scott and his mystical cafe, good things happen there. I am grateful for my friendship with George, if genius can overcome the greatest odds, then perhaps some of it is infectious and can be spread. I am very happy to a writer, but photography has altered my life in many ways. My friendship with George is one of its sweetest gifts. I am grateful for this show, for George bringing his work, for Maria supporting and curating it, for all of the people who said the nicest things about my work.