By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
‘Where Love Resides’ is the name of a new photo exhibit currently on display at Crow City Coffee in Chatham.
Its black and white photos, taken by photographers Steve Obalek and Martha Franks, depict everyday life in Chatham’s Tecumseh Park neighbourhood.
According to Tecumseh Park Neighbourhood Association (TPNA) member Susan Simpson, the project came together organically following the association’s fall festival held last September.
“Where Love Resides is photographic tribute to a community shaped by history, resilience and connections between neighbours,” Simpson told The Voice in a recent interview, noting that after she saw some of the photos, she thought they were “too good” to be stored on a flash drive in a drawer.
“Patrons at the cafe tell us that the images are full of joy,” she added. “It is our hope that other neighbourhoods will form associations and through initiatives and events, promote community engagement, safety, vibrancy and inclusiveness.”
Obalek, who along with partner Heather Kingham are Simpson’s next-door neighbours on Ellwood Avenue, calls himself a “street” photographer.
“I love taking photos of a moment in time of what people are doing,” said Obalek, noting he’s been shooting photos most of his life.
However, when the long-time construction worker met Kingham, who is a birder, his interest in photography deepened.
When taking candid pictures of people, Obalek said most people are co-operative.
“They think it’s fun,” he explained.
Franks, the other photographer in the exhibit, is Simpson’s daughter. She’s now moved to England where she is pursuing a career in photography.
The TPNA was formed after the Victoria Park Place (VPP) shelter took shape on Murray Street in 2022. Residents found that the social disorder associated with the homeless population was affecting the neighbourhood due to the fallout from drug addiction and mental illness.
VPP ran as homeless shelter for three years closing in August of 2025.
Simpson has words of praise for the help the group has received over the years from the Chatham-Kent Police Service and Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue.
“They helped us a lot with our sanity and our safety,” she added. “They have been fantastic.”
Where Love Resides is available for viewing at Crow City Coffee until the end of March. Plans are also in the works for exhibits through the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
