Riverdale photographer turned breadmaker returns to his roots

Arnie Adler, a 69 year old man with a deep background in photography, has been largely consumed by bread making since the COVID-19 pandemic. But in a gallery space on West 236th Street, he hosted an opening for his exhibition “A Bakers Dozen,” showcasing 13 images from a lifetime behind the camera.

Adler’s close friends and family members drifted through Gallery 505 on Jan. 22, a part of the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation, enjoying wine, artwork and homemade sourdough with a rosemary and olive crust.

Soft chatter and laughter filled the room, as some guests lingered in front of six portraits hung near the door frame. The close-up, vibrant photographs of children’s faces are a few of the hundreds that make up Adler’s “1000 Faces of Riverdale” project.

Around 2011, Adler approached the Riverdale Y with the idea to capture those involved with the organization. The director at the time, Marti Michael, suggested the project could be more expansive, so Adler started attending street fairs, inviting neighbors of all ages to be photographed.

Adler told The Press when it came to his portraits, he always prioritized a connection with the subject.

“People used to talk about photographers stealing a soul, but I always felt that a good portrait had a little bit of both the subject and the photographer’s soul in it,” he said.

For 1,000 Faces of Riverdale, Adler drew on what he felt were four distinct communities in Riverdale — “the geriatrics, the very affluent, the working class, the college kids” — saying though there was no animosity between these circles, they barely knew the other one existed. The project aimed to create something that put these community members into “one giant pot.”

Some photos included in the exhibition were still life, such as a detailed black-and-white image of an orchid’s roots. Others, like one of an elderly woman smiling into the camera, her arm resting on a piece of furniture, were commissioned by families.

One attendee didn’t know Adler personally, but instead is a fellow greater Riverdale creative, and noted how striking the children’s eyes in Adler’s portraits were.

“I’m a big supporter of other artists,” said Dennis Shelton, a Marble Hill-based artist that works with collage, mixed media and wood assemblage. “It’s important to share the love and experience and knowledge.”

Adler feels at this point neighbors know him more as a baker than a photographer, and he doesn’t mind that. Being immersed in the photography world since age 12, it was time for something new.

“There was no plan to become a baker, it was just, ‘Oh, I got to do something, I’ll bake some bread,’” he recalled. “Then I was giving bread away to people, people wanted to buy the bread and now I’m baking 60 loaves a week and teaching … It’s exciting.”

Adler hosts breakmaking lessons in his home and at bakeries, and sometimes sells his sourdough at the Cravings and Craft Farmers Market on Riverdale Avenue.

Noah Aris, cofounder of the market, met Adler during the pandemic when the baker was trading his bread to stay connected with neighbors. Residents would swap soap, soup or candles for a loaf.

“A Bakers Dozen” will be on display through March 6 at 505 W. 236th St.