A celebration of community A celebration of community (March 30, 2005)

Susan Thomas exhibits family photos at the Konditorei

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

"Wow." "Look, I can't believe it." "Amazing."

That's what some customers say when they come into the Konditorei coffee shop in Ladera for their lattes and discover photos of their families, friends, neighbors and dogs on the walls.

Susan Thomas, a Portola Valley photographer, and Patti Cullen, owner of the Konditorei for the past 21 years, have teamed up to create the exhibit entitled "Then & Now."

Many of the 60-some photographs show families and kids growing up in the community. "I actually took a lot of the photographs right off friends' walls, frames and all," says Ms. Thomas.

Friends Laurie Chase, Amber Ramies and Kathy LaMar arranged the photos in groupings and helped with graphics. A contractor friend volunteered to hang all the photos on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Ms. Thomas says she's pleased to see how people take time to enjoy the exhibit. "It's amazing the number of men who really appreciate it. It's been a community celebration."

One customer's question stunned Konitorei owner Cullen. "Is this all your family?" he asked.

In a way it is. The photos are of people in the Portola Valley community who stop by for coffee and conversations with friends.

Photographer Thomas gives credit to her mentor, the late Sheldon Woodward, who, she says, "taught me the true joy of seeing with the heart."
INFORMATION

The photos will remain on the walls of the Konditorei coffee shop at Ladera Country Shopper, 3130 Alpine Road, through April 15.

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