Every photograph displayed in Mark Eshelman's retrospective exhibition "Coast to Coast: Through the Photography Lens" at Taste of Tops gallery in Tempe tells a compelling story that extends far beyond the frame itself. These images serve as visual time capsules, each anchored to specific moments and locations that have shaped both local Valley history and broader American cultural landscapes.

One particularly memorable anecdote involves Eshelman's determination to capture Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore during the band's 1995 performance at the now-defunct Electric Ballroom in Tempe. "I had to take the lens off the camera and shove it down my pants to get it in," Eshelman recalls with a laugh. "And I didn't have a flash, so I used high-speed Kodak T-MAX and there wasn't much lighting in there, so that's why it's kind of blurry." Despite the technical challenges and less-than-perfect lighting conditions, the resulting image successfully captures a pivotal moment in Valley music history, preserving the raw energy of both the performance and the venue that no longer exists.

This story exemplifies the essence of Eshelman's entire 19-image retrospective, which concluded its run at the Tempe gallery recently. Each photograph represents more than just visual documentation; they are historical artifacts that chronicle specific times and places across multiple decades of American life. The exhibition spans an impressive timeline from the early 1980s through the 2000s, offering viewers a comprehensive journey through changing landscapes, evolving music scenes, and disappearing landmarks.

Among the most striking images in the collection are Eshelman's photographs of iconic Tempe landmarks, including the historic Hayden Flour Mill captured during a time when visitors could still clearly read the lettering on its facade. Another notable local image shows a solitary shack situated in the bed of the Salt River, representing a slice of Arizona history that has since been transformed by urban development and environmental changes.

The retrospective functions as both a visual road trip and a personal memoir, featuring images collected during Eshelman's extensive travels across the United States and beyond. Viewers can experience the windswept shores of Sea Isle City, New Jersey, along the Atlantic coast, where Eshelman captured the natural beauty and atmospheric conditions of the Eastern seaboard. The collection also includes gritty, authentic documentation of New York City's legendary CBGB club, the iconic rock venue that served as a launching pad for countless punk and alternative bands.

"The CBGB is probably the harshest image in the show," Eshelman explains. "People have told me they can smell that picture." This visceral reaction speaks to the photographer's ability to capture not just visual elements but the entire sensory experience of a place, preserving the atmosphere and cultural significance of venues that have since disappeared from the American landscape.

International elements of the collection include elegant shots of the historic clipper ship Cutty Sark in London, demonstrating Eshelman's eye for both architectural beauty and historical significance. These diverse locations and subjects create a comprehensive portrait of late 20th-century American and international culture, filtered through the lens of a dedicated Arizona photographer.

However, among all the images in the exhibition, the photographs of Tempe's Ash Avenue Bridge hold special significance both for the artist and for local history enthusiasts. These majestic shots document the bridge that once spanned the Salt River before its demolition in 1991. Today, only remnants of this historic structure remain visible in Tempe Beach Park, making Eshelman's photographs invaluable historical documents that preserve the memory of this lost architectural landmark.

Eshelman, who began his photography journey as a student at Tempe High School in the early 1980s, credits these bridge photographs as a primary driving force behind organizing the entire retrospective exhibition. "Its stuff from throughout my collection," he explains. "I wanted to showcase the Ash Avenue Bridge first and foremost. So I kind of started at the beginning and started going through some stuff that would be worthy." This selection process involved reviewing thousands of photographs accumulated over his four-decade career, carefully choosing images that would resonate with viewers while telling important stories about places and times that might otherwise be forgotten.

The exhibition includes diverse subjects that demonstrate Eshelman's versatility as a photographer and his keen eye for culturally significant details. One standout image features a close-up shot of an early 1980s skateboard deck, capturing both the craftsmanship and cultural aesthetic of skateboarding's formative years. "Some of 'em, you look at it, you can't really tell when it was taken," Eshelman observes. "It could have been taken 100 years ago or it could have been taken yesterday." This timeless quality speaks to his ability to identify and capture elements that transcend specific eras while still serving as historical documentation.

As a Valley native and longtime employee of Tempe Camera, Eshelman brings both insider knowledge and professional expertise to his work. His deep connection to the local community, combined with his technical skills and artistic vision, allows him to document subjects that might be overlooked by outsiders while maintaining the high standards expected in fine art photography.

The photographer's motivation for sharing these images extends beyond personal satisfaction or artistic recognition. "Its all important stuff to me," he states. "I thought others would appreciate it, too." This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of photography's role in preserving cultural memory and sharing experiences across different communities and generations.

Throughout his career, Eshelman has maintained a dedication to analog photography techniques, often working with traditional film stocks like the Kodak T-MAX mentioned in his Sonic Youth story. This commitment to traditional methods adds authenticity and character to his images, creating visual textures and qualities that distinguish his work from contemporary digital photography.

The "Coast to Coast: Through the Photography Lens" retrospective represents more than just an art exhibition; it serves as a visual archive of American cultural history, filtered through the experiences and observations of a dedicated Arizona photographer. From intimate concert venues to sweeping landscapes, from historic architecture to cultural artifacts, Eshelman's collection provides viewers with opportunities to explore places and times they may never have experienced firsthand.

The exhibition concluded with a closing reception that brought together photography enthusiasts, local history buffs, and community members interested in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The free admission policy ensured that these important historical images remained accessible to all community members, regardless of economic circumstances.

Eshelman's retrospective ultimately demonstrates the power of photography to serve as both art and historical documentation, preserving moments and places that continue to resonate with viewers decades after they were captured. Through his lens, ordinary moments become extraordinary, and disappearing landmarks gain permanent preservation in the collective memory of the community.