John Gray likes hats.”Why do you always wear a black hat? Do you have hats in colors other than black?” a student asked him recently.

He does have other hats. In fact, Gray ‘s hats change with the season- black felt for winter and woven straw for summer. Steve Callis, on the other hand, never wears hats – except during student photo shoots.

These are two of the quirkiest and most beloved instructors at Moorpark College. Both opened exhibitions this month showcasing personal photography projects.

Gray’s outspoken and rebellious nature and his expertise in photography are legendary at MC. His lectures combine quality instruction, heated political debates, and anecdotes about his estrogen-flooded household. Gray took the digital photographs in “Sketches of Poland” on a 2004 trip. They reveal Poles struggling with their tumultuous past yet celebrating everyday life. Passersby stop because the images are rich in color and emotion – and stay because of Gray’s clear-eyed examination of Poland and the Polish people. The show runs until April 6 in the MC Administration Building Gallery.

Quieter than Gray, Callis is a man unhurried in thought or in speech- a sort of unassuming photographic cowboy. He has a flair for the interesting yet overlooked, which is apparent in this show. The exhibition, “Public Works,” focuses on bridges spanning the downtown Los Angeles River. The ten large-format black and white silver prints are simple, stark, and exquisitely clean. His straightforward approach allows the bridges to take on a timelessness and subtle majesty. “Public Works” runs until April 28 at the Cerro Coso College Fine Arts Gallery in Ridgecrest. Those familiar with Callis and Gray will find both artists’ personalities reflected in their exhibitions. Those unfamiliar with these professors can still enjoy beautiful, fascinating images from two talented photographers.