Cassidy Thurber

Cassidy Thurber (b. 2002, Ossipee, NH) was born to a man who smoked Camel Blue cigarettes and worked at the gas station, and to a self-willed woman who fought people at the local apartment complex. Raised by her grandfather, she has found a home in making photographic stories about her life and siblings’ upbringing. Cassidy’s photographic research for what “family” and belonging means, led her creative path in the last few years. Her endeavors have cumulated several handmade artist’s books and a large collection of photographs. With a deep love for photobooks, she is the co-owner of Underwear Sleepover Publishing Company.

Cassidy’s work was featured in ‘Together,’ on view June 14-29, 2025.

I Want the Sun to Shine Down on You

“Growing up, I was one of the kids who feared the weekends and school vacations. Always being picked on for living in a trailer and wearing Walmart shoes. As the oldest of five children, spread across three different homes, I took on the role of caretaker early. I was the one holding little hands, making sure my siblings were fed, dressed, and safe.

As I entered adulthood, I began to understand how different my experience of family and home was from most others’.

Photographing my loved ones and the idea of home has become a way for me to process and digest my own experiences. A way to insert myself; to seek understanding. My photographs are inspired by the shared experiences that help shape us from children to adults. My photographs
are not only personal; instead, an invitation for others to reflect on their own experience.

Through these images, I hope viewers remember their own moments—both painful and beautiful—and feel those memories alongside me.”

Cassidy’s work was featured in ‘Group Effort,’ on view August 10-September 1, 2024.

“Since entering early adulthood, I realized my understanding of what family means and how I was raised is very different than most others experiences. My photographs are inspired by the connections and experiences that we all share as individuals within the family and how these dynamics can shape a child into an adult by.”