A photo exhibit in Hartford is bringing lessons of love into sharp focus 10 years after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Photographer and artist Bob Carley is inviting the public to join him on a moving journey back in time beneath the Capitol where the halls of history hearken back to the moment he says couldn't be more out of step with American spirit.

"I think it's important that we never forget Dec. 14, 2012," said Carley.

It's part of Carley's latest exhibit, "Photos of Hope: Makeshift Memorials and Tributes--Remembering Newtown 10 years later."

"I wanted to document the outpouring of grief and the outpouring of tributes and memorials," said Carley.

He says paths that usually ran parallel suddenly intersected, with people of all backgrounds coming together to lend a helping hand.

"I'm very impressed with the creativity of the people of Newtown, how they created beautiful images -- images made out of roses, doves, hearts," he said. "It was healing for people to turn to their creativity and show love for their fellow members of the community."

Standing among depictions of great battles for freedom, Carley says the U.S. can only truly be free by coming together.

"Sandy Hook -- a small town. They came together. They showed the world that they didn't hate back," Carley said.

Carley captured with his camera a collection of images comprising his commentary on the courage of one Connecticut community, and the country that came together to help it cope.

"We choose love. To me that's a beautiful statement, that's a positive statement," said Carley. "And that support helped the families."

Carley is dedicating the free exhibit, which runs through the end of the month, to the family of Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Vicky Soto, who gave her life protecting her students.

The exhibit is located in the concourse at the state capitol.