October 15, 2025 (Lake Worth Beach, Fla.) — The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition in its 2025-2026 season, featuring works by Palm Beach County-based photographer Joel Cohen.
On the Bright Side captures the world through bold colors, strong shapes, and striking shadows. The exhibition runs from October 31 to December 13, 2025 at the Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach.
Influenced by his background in graphic design, Cohen’s photography highlights textures and angles that might otherwise go unseen. Each image reflects his trained eye for turning everyday moments into vivid and memorable works of art. While his photographs are traditionally black and white, On the Bright Side celebrates striking colors.
“I try not to shoot an entire thing; I like to look at the parts of the thing, and see if there are shapes, shadows, and textures,” he says. “I try to show that everything has some beauty in it, if you look at it in a different way.”
One of those picture-perfect moments happened in Taos, New Mexico. While visiting the Taos Pueblo Cemetery, Cohen noticed several dozen tourists photographing similar angles of the exact same subject. By stepping into a different spot, he was able to capture a fresh perspective.
“Joel Cohen’s work catches your eye and makes you stop and take a long look at the objects, light, shadow, and angles he has captured,” says Jessica Ransom, the Council’s director of artist services. “And with these colorful and imaginative images he also makes you smile.”
An opening reception for On the Bright Side will take place on Thursday, October 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Cultural Council’s headquarters. It is free and open to the public.
“Everybody is so depressed now,” Cohen shares. “I hope these bright colors and bold shapes make people smile and happy—even if it’s just one person.”
The Gayle and Paul Gross Gallery provides emerging, mid-career, or experienced visual artists the opportunity for a solo exhibition during the Council’s season. Selected through a highly competitive application process, Cohen is one of six Palm Beach County-based artists chosen by a committee of visual art professionals for one of these solo shows. In addition to installing the artworks and hosting a reception, the Council provides a stipend to each artist to support framing and transportation costs. All artworks are for sale, and a portion of proceeds go to the individual artists.
This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Tourist Development Council, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture, and Florida Weekly.
For more information about the exhibition or to RSVP to the reception, visit palmbeachculture.com/exhibitions.
If You Go (Calendar Item)
On the Bright Side
Solo exhibition by Joel Cohen
October 31 – December 13, 2025
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
(601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, Fla. 33460)
About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council also features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artisans in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays beginning Nov. 1. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.