In an era of growing insularity and increased privatization, trains in the U.S. have become like the woolly mammoths of prehistory: massive and slow-moving, and slowly going extinct. Photographer Brian Solomon captures this sense of both majesty and decline in his photographs of trains and railroads across the U.S., showing the beautiful brickwork and sculpted eaves of an empty station or the blue glow of railroad lights as viewed through a New England storm. Contrasting these with photographs of gleaming Japanese bullet trains and Irish station houses built like churches, Solomon illuminates the role of public transportation in societies around the world. Solomon has lived and worked around the globe, and is the author of over 40 books on trains, railroads and railway history.
Through Jan. 25, reception: Nov 15, 3-6 p.m., free, Giclee of New England Gallery and Studio, 1422 Main St., Palmer, (413) 284-4344, www.gicleeofnewengland.com.