The six-member cast of the hit television series Friends was in every single episode filmed for 10 straight years, a truly remarkable level of consistency and commitment. However, that wonderful cast can’t quite compare with the consistency and commitment of CMM photographer Robert Clark, who has worked tirelessly to have his stunning work in every single issue of CMM for 35 years.

If you look on the spine of the issue you are holding, you will see the volume number is indeed 35. As I ponder this anniversary, I wonder how it is possible that Henry and I have been publishing this city magazine for this many years when it feels like half that. The truth is that we fell in love with Columbia long ago — the people, the strong sense of community, and the fascinating stories that make our beloved hometown so special.

In preparing to publish the first issue, we needed to find office space, writers, story ideas, and photographers. Mary Green Brush, our brilliant copy editor who also dates back to CMM’s very first issue, suggested that Henry call Robert Clark. Neither of us could have imagined what that phone call would produce.

In calling Robert, we not only found a photographer who is one of the most talented in the country, but we also found a dear friend who is like family to us, a partner in business who always represents the magazine with grace and the utmost professionalism, and a supporter who has proven to be consistent in his commitment — issue after issue — to provide stunning photography for you to enjoy. And in the nearly 300 issues of CMM that Robert has photographed, we have never had one disagreement. He is a remarkable artist with an easygoing, lovable nature. Henry and I are beyond grateful for his hard work and talent that have made CMM look so good on your coffee table all these years.