Clarks Summit photographer Max Loiacono poses with his artwork on display at the Bellefonte Art Museum.
Submitted Photo
Clarks Summit photographer featured in ‘Pennsylvania Industrial History’ exhibit
Photographer Max Loiacono of Clarks Summit recently exhibited his work at the Bellefonte Art Museum, 133 N. Allegheny St., Bellefonte.
“The Bellefonte Art Museum was a place I discovered randomly on a walk one day, and after many visits, I simply signed up as an artist and was accepted in the registry.” he said. “The exhibit was in the photograph gallery. The gallery is called ‘Pennsylvania Industrial History’ and showcases photos of that theme, such as abandoned factories, coal mines, railroading, and other miscellaneous industries that represent Pennsylvania.”
Loiacono became interested in photography in 2017 because it looked like fun. Over the years, he has taken photos of trains and railroad infrastructure, abandoned and industrial locations, close-up nature, and mountainous landscapes.
“Visitors and train enthusiasts at the museum enjoyed Max’s train photos,” said Lori Fisher, director of the Bellefonte Art Museum. “Trains are in our local area, and his train photos portray that.”
Loiacono graduated from Abington Heights High School, where he took a photography course, in 2021.
He reflected on an Abington Heights teacher who had an influence on him.
“Amanda Jones was one very influential teacher. She was my first introduction to formal education on the topic of computer science, which I later got my degree in. It has given me the skills to build a digital presence — MaxLoiacono.com — without relying on other people’s tools and services. Photography was just a hobby and still is for me, but a dedicated lifelong one.”
“Max was a joy to teach,” said Jones. “He was authentic, funny, incredibly intelligent, and genuinely interesting. I especially admired how comfortable he was being himself and how freely he thought.”
Loiacono continued his education at Penn State, Main Campus, graduating in 2025 with a degree in computer science. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Nittany Grotto Caving Club and Model Railroading Club.
He used opportunities from those clubs to continue his photography hobby.
“In State College, I took an interest in photography and shot some events when I could. The most notable was Thon 2025.”
“I enjoy photography as a form of creative expression, but also as a teaching tool,” he said. “I see it as part of the way I give back to the world. My future plan is to continue exploring this niche in photography and using it to build a wealth of knowledge of local and regional history to share with others.”
His future goals include evaluating a move to Europe, which would allow him to explore relics of the Cold War — another interest of his.
