Monroe Residents Invited to Reflect on City's Past and Future

New photography exhibit 'Wish You Were Here' opens in downtown Monroe, offering chance for community input.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Photographer Stephanie Calabrese has created a new exhibit called 'Wish You Were Here' that will be on display for the next three months at The Eulalia building in downtown Monroe. The exhibit features Calabrese's photographs of Monroe taken 10 years apart, highlighting the changes in the city over the past decade. It also includes a short documentary film interviewing residents about Monroe's past, present, and future. Visitors to the exhibit will be able to fill out postcards with their thoughts on the city, which Calabrese plans to present to Monroe officials as a 'gift to the community'.

Why it matters

This exhibit provides an opportunity for Monroe residents to reflect on the evolution of their city and share their vision for its future. As Monroe continues to undergo changes, this exhibit aims to capture the community's perspectives and input, which could help inform city planning and development decisions.

The details

Calabrese's exhibit features 24 pairs of photographs taken 10 years apart in the same locations around Monroe, demonstrating the physical changes the city has undergone. The exhibit also includes historical photos, maps, and a 13-minute documentary film featuring interviews with Monroe residents about what the city means to them and their hopes for its future. Visitors will be able to fill out postcards with their own thoughts, which Calabrese will then present to Monroe officials.

  • The exhibit will run from February 22 to March 31, 2026.
  • The opening night event will take place on Thursday from 6-9 PM.

The players

Stephanie Calabrese

A Monroe resident and photographer who has created the 'Wish You Were Here' exhibit to capture the city's past, present, and future.

Knoxie le'Roux

Calabrese's niece, who is helping set up the exhibit space.

Chad Draper

Provided the exhibit space at The Eulalia building in downtown Monroe.

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What they’re saying

“It's a look at the past and present, and imagining the future of Monroe.”

— Stephanie Calabrese, Photographer (monroelocal.org)

“It tells the story of our town through the voices of our residents. It remixes the past with the present.”

— Stephanie Calabrese, Photographer (monroelocal.org)

“We're going to turn the whole place into an experience.”

— Stephanie Calabrese, Photographer (monroelocal.org)

What’s next

After the exhibit closes on March 31, Calabrese plans to present the postcards filled out by visitors to the City of Monroe officials.

The takeaway

This exhibit provides a unique opportunity for Monroe residents to reflect on the changes in their city and share their vision for its future, potentially informing future city planning and development decisions.