Community Lost and Found: The Filling Station Project and the Revival of Main Street

Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 6–8 p.m.

The Filling Station Project is an ongoing photographic essay by Matthew Albritton that documents the rise and decline of a once-vital community hub: the local filling station. These stations were more than just places to refuel—they were gathering spots where neighbors shared cold drinks, exchanged news, and built connections.

Today, these communal spaces have largely been replaced by corporate gas stations—efficient, expansive, and impersonal. Similarly, vibrant Main Streets have given way to sprawling shopping complexes located just off the highway, further eroding opportunities for meaningful community interaction. With the rise of online shopping and home delivery, even grocery runs no longer require leaving home.

Join our panel for a dynamic discussion on what has been lost—and the creative efforts underway to rebuild a sense of community in our towns and cities.

• Viewing of Matthew Albritton’s photography in Marek-Weaver Family Commons from 6–6:30pm
• Panel discussion in Fath Auditorium from 6:30–7:30pm
• Additional opportunity for viewing Albritton’s photography in Marek-Weaver Family Commons from 7:30–8pm

About the speaker

Matthew Albritton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Texas at Austin. He began his teaching career at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in 2001 and currently serves as the Director of the School of the Arts. Throughout his tenure at NKU, Albritton has received multiple faculty awards, including recognition for Outstanding Non-Tenure Track Teaching and Excellence in Outreach and Public Engagement. His academic and creative interests center on service learning and community engagement through documentary photography. His photographic projects have explored diverse themes such as the birthplaces of U.S. presidents, COVID-19 masks, filling stations, and, most recently, slave graveyards.

If you need accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance at [email protected] or fill out the accessibility request form.