Even during stressful times, there are opportunities to find beauty in life. For Harry Adler, Owner of Adler's Design Center & Hardware in Providence, Rhode Island, a hobby capturing nature photography during the pandemic led to a full-blown exhibition in which proceeds benefited members of his community.

Harry started going for morning runs to help him with his stress level during the pandemic. He would go out early in the morning, and he saw amazing beauty along his path at dawn, which inspired him to start taking pictures. Harry shared his pictures on social media, and others began to recognize his talent.

"I knew him as a hardware owner. I did not know he was a photographer," said Sorrel Devine, Traveling In Place Photography Exhibition Organizer. "I saw these photos, and I think I was the first one to say, 'Hey Harry, these are really good. I love them! You should do a show.'"

Sorrel encouraged Harry to display his photography in a public art exhibition, which became known as "Traveling in Place." Over 350 people showed up on the first evening of the exhibition. Sorrel also suggested to Harry that it would be nice to donate some of the proceeds to a nonprofit — the Village Common of Rhode Island.

The mission of the Village Common is to change the experience of growing older in Rhode Island by fostering the creation of communities of mutual support. They provide services that help keep elderly residents in their homes, such as rides to doctor's appointments or help changing a light bulb that is out of reach.

After the show, Harry was able to donate more than $4,000 to help support the Village Common.

"It's critical to support the community," said Harry. "You can't be a business in a community without supporting the community because the community is supporting you."