The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE Va. (VR) – The Clifton Forge Public Library is pleased to announce that the 2025 Black History Month Exhibit, “The Light Stalker,” will celebrate the memory of local talented artist, the late Jada Callender.
Many of Jada’s photographs were selected for the annual It’s Uniquely Alleghany Calendar and she was the Grand Prize Winner for the 2022 Calendar. Jada was also a winner in the FX2 Photography Exhibit. Her photographs have been used for book covers and magazines, including the front cover on Stewart Goodwin’s mystery, “The Secrets They Kept.” Jada’s biography and picture will be featured in the upcoming “What’s Your Story, Volume 6 – Art in the Alleghany Highlands.”
Jada had a collection of nature/landscapes, long exposures, animals, abstract, and themed special requests on the online gallery, FineArt.America, which remain available for viewing.
Additionally, she was owner/operator of Callender Photography. “I am proud of my daughter and her many accomplishments,” Ione Callender, Jada’s mother, said. She continued, “Jada showed an interest in cameras at the age of five, and she bought her
first camera, a Bugs Bunny Camera. Jada did household chores, saved her money and eventually bought a better camera.”
Chuck Almarez, local master photographer, stated, “Jada was able to take pictures, not because of the camera she used, but basically the knowledge she had of lighting and formatting. She had the skills for it.”
The Rev. Dr. Roslyn Thomas, former pastor of First Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, dubbed Jada “The Light Stalker.” She explained, “Jada was a photographer who knew how to stalk a source of light and then use the light to capture the beauty of the souls she photographed. Her photographs are award-winning because she was an excellent light stalker.”
Jada, a graduate of Alleghany High School and Radford University, returned home to give back to the community she loved. She was involved with various organizations such as the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Clifton Forge School of the Arts, Alleghany Highlands Art Council, Clifton Forge Community Gathering, and the Juneteenth Committee.
“One would see her at local events in her quiet, unassuming way, stalking the light to creatively capture lifelong memories, always with a smile,” says Ettrula Moore. “Jada let her light shine with her remarkable talent and unique gift.”
On her FineArt.America page, Jada said that her goal as a photographer was “to capture images better than the ones I captured the previous day. I am inspired by the things I see in my daily life, the odd and the unique.”
Jada is quoted as saying, “For me photography is not merely just a picture. It is a moment in time where the essence of a person or subject is captured, and that moment may never be seen again.”
Included in the display is a collection of signed photographs by Jada, on loan from Ettrula Moore; portraits along with a photograph of the Clifton Forge Love Sign, on loan from Ione Callender; and, “It’s Uniquely Alleghany Calendar,” complements of Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
Showcased photographs include “Evolution,” “Winter on Jefferson Street,” “Down in the Valley,” “Happy Place,” “Hidden in Plain Sight,” “Bridge to Somewhere,” “Dancers,” “Land of the Free,” and “The Rev. Dr. Roslyn Thomas.”
Rounding out the display is a slide show featuring Jada’s photography, complements of Makayla Nobles, Events and Special Projects Coordinator with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
“The Light Stalker” exhibit was prepared by Ettrula Moore, local historian and lifelong friend of Jada and her mother, Ione. It will be on display at the Clifton Forge Public Library throughout February and March.
The library is located at 535 Church Street. For information on any library programs or activities, phone 863-2519.
