Friday, March 6, 2026
Hello, and happy Friday! I’m Justin Taylor, the Visual Journalist at The Current. Thank you for checking out another installment of Coastal Lens. Going strong for the second month in a row!
In this month’s newsletter, we’re stepping onto the red carpet at a prom in Richmond Hill that celebrates teens and adults with special needs, spending time with a group of young Asian Americans working to keep the tradition of lion dancing alive and taking a look at a few favorite photos from the annual Savannah Slithering parade.
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Visual stories from the coast
Last month, I had the privilege of photographing Night to Shine at First Baptist Church in Richmond Hill. The evening was packed with smiles, laughter, limousine rides and plenty of red-carpet magic. More than 250 volunteers showed up to celebrate 145 honored guests, treating each one like royalty.
The best part was watching families soak it in. For many, it is the most anticipated night of the year.
Staying in the spirit of celebration, the next story takes us to Thunderbolt, where a group of young Asian Americans are keeping the ancient tradition of lion dancing alive. I had the chance to tag along with the Golden Koi Lion Dance Association as they practiced, sweated through rehearsals and performed at two local Buddhist temples during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Favorite photos
This month’s round of photos is of two behind-the-scenes moments. One, from an upcoming environmental story. The other, an outtake from the lion dancers’ story mentioned above.
Viewfinder
Each month, I take hundreds of photos for The Current. Only a small fraction makes it into published stories. Sometimes it comes down to space. Other times, a photo simply does not fit the story as well as other visuals do.
Last Saturday night, the fifth annual Savannah Slithering parade wound its way through midtown. Hundreds of people carried handmade lanterns and serpents through the streets, celebrating the legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland. It was weird, whimsical, and very Savannah.
Community focus
It’s the first Friday of the month, and that means it’s Art March night in Savannah’s Starland District. If you’re looking for something fun and creative tonight, head over to Sulfur Studios on Bull Street and join the party. Here are a few other local happenings…
Traces of a tangible silence
Where: Lone Wolf Lounge, 2429 Lincoln St., Savannah
When: March 6 – March 31
Details: Local photographer Randal Patrick is debuting his first solo exhibition, a body of work that documents the backyards, neighbors, and quieter corners of Savannah. His images linger in the still moments that often go unnoticed, offering a thoughtful look at everyday life in our city.
Off the Coast of Paradise: Artists and Ossabaw Island
Where: Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W York St, Savannah
When: March 13 – Sept. 6.
Details: The first major exhibition to explore how Ossabaw Island’s 26,000 undeveloped acres influenced American artists. Focusing on the Ossabaw Island Project and Genesis residencies from 1961 to 1982, it highlights the island’s legacy as a space for creative experimentation.
Hindsight Film Festival
When: March 4th-8th
Where: Various locations in Savannah
Details: A five-day celebration of historical documentary films from around the world.
Savannah Photo Club Photo Walk
When: March 15 at 9 am
Where: Float Coffee, 12 W 41st St, Savannah
Details: A fun monthly photo walk for all ages and skill levels. It’s a great way to make new friends and work on your photo skills. And it’s free!
Tybee Tour de Art
When: March 15, 12-5 pm
Where: Various locations on Tybee Island
Details: A seasonal art market where over 50 local artists and makers display their work across the north end of the island.
If you’ve scrolled this far, thanks for sticking with me. I’ll see you next month!
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