Before Manhattan's Lower East Side was known for boutiques, brunch and hipsters it was the quintessential New York neighborhood of days past: rich in culture, high in crime and exemplary of a big city melting pot where people of meager means did extraordinary things.

Over the course of 30 years, artist, photographer and L.E.S. resident Clayton Patterson documented his surroundings, observing and recording the area's transformation. With his camera lens Patterson took snapshots of everyone in the community from junkies to drug-dealers to gangmembers to hard-working families just trying to get by. L.E.S. stalwarts ALIFE, in conjunction with Kinz and Tillou Fine Art, are putting Patterson's work on exhibit for the world to see at the the ALIFE Presents gallery from September 24th until November 8th. If you're a fan of great photography and/or NYC nostalgia make it your business to check out this exhibit. Also be on the lookout for our exclusive interview with Patterson tomorrow.

Clayton Patterson L.E.S. CAPTURED - PHOTOGRAPHS
ALIFE Presents
157 Rivington Street, Lower East Side, NYC
9/24/09 - 11/08/09