Recently a ribbon cutting was held at Joe Craig’s studio on Walnut Street in Dexter. The ribbon cutting marked the relaunch of the studio now known as Soulmarks.
Craig has spent 50 years photographing people around the world. If he was not taking photographs he was educating people on the art of photography. Craig captured countless memories while taking photos for Carnival Cruise Line.
Now he brings his photography back home to Dexter.
“I will be careful not to mention names because everyone here is important to me,” said Craig to the large crowd at Soulmarks studio. “I has a PR director once and she used to how many times do I have to say its all about the people in Dexter Missouri, Richland High School, etc. and I said pretty much forever, because it is.”
The Soulmarks Manifesto says in part:
Soulmarks embraces the principle of non-judgment, treating every guest as equal, irrespective of their Race, Gender, Age, Sexual Orientation. or Wealth. Our commitment is to extend kindness and dignity to everyone who crosses our threshold.
All Soulmarks Art is built upon empowering individuals through vulnerability. cultivating genuine connections, unearthing inner narratives, fostering resilience, and building a supportive community.
All profits from Soulmarks Art at the Soulmarks Centre support the
Soulmarks Foundations mission to create a compassionate community that values creativity. vulnerability, and empathy.
According to the Soulmarks Photography website the Soulmarks Foundation is dedicated to gifting Soulmarks portrait sessions to those who could not otherwise afford the experience and could most benefit from the healing art of photography. The Foundation is funded by contributions from Soulmarks retail business and the generosity of others.
“We are the community that we come from, it is the embracing of the people and this area,” said Craig. “We have had our global experience and that’s great, we hope to keep doing that but it all comes back to Walnut Street. I appreciate you all for being here, thank you so much for cutting.”