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FOCUSNEWSLETTER

ART GALLERYfine art photography

Special Edition

Important Dates for November

Thursday, November 12th 7:00 pm *Board Meeting - Online Zoom ConferenceThursday, November 19th 7:00 PM

* 40th Anniversary Meeting - Online Zoom conferenceWednesday, November 25th 7:00 pm

*Image and Idea Sharing - Online Zoom Conference

Spectrum Art Gallery 40th Anniversary

Auction & Benefits

Coming Soon!

This online gallery of 2020 Auction prints has been posted foryour viewing pleasure.We are hoping to safely offer our postponed, live event thisComing Spring.

Call to Artists“Hope”

Online Show

Online exhibition available for viewing via website and social media links.

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Important Dates for October

Thursday, October 8th 7:00 pm *Board Meeting - Online Zoom ConferenceWednesday, October 21st 7:00 pm *Image and Idea Sharing - Online Zoom ConferenceThursday, October 22nd 7:00 PM * 40th Anniversary Meeting - Online Zoom conference

* These events are open to Active Members only. Other events are open to all.

Stu Levy Cathedral Cavern #42621, Little Langdale Quarries, UK

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Spectrum Art Gallery 40th Anniversary

Auction & Benefit

Coming Soon!

In honor of its 40th Anniversary and ongoing mission to support photographic art and education in the greater central valley, Spectrum Art Gallery has been the grateful recipient of magnificent contributions by world renown and regional photographic artists. In addition, philanthropic donors have contributed works by prominent artists who are no longer with us. Their legacy will continue to reach all of us through your generous donations, which are featured in this online catalog including the Edward Weston 50th Anniversary Portfolio offered in our Auction 2020.

Until we can safely offer our postponed, live event, we are posting an online gallery for your viewing pleasure.

Auction Continued from Page 1

Michael D. Phillips Folding Chairs Travis Rockett Bow of The Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA

Donald Ross Tufa, Mono Lake, CA, 1980

Jeffrey D. Nicholas Telescope Peak, Panamint Range and Pool at Badwater, Print #2 of 5.

Amsel Adams Hills Brothers Coffee Can

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Dan Sniffin Early Light on Palouse Farm, WA

Auction Continued from Page 2

Emily Redondo The Coffee Farmer

Edward Weston Church Door, Hornitos, 1940Edward Gillum hoArse

Jesse Merrell Sunset, Mono Lake, CA 2016

Steve Dzerigian Rock Alignment II, California Desert

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Wendy Denton Plague Doctor Among Condemned Trees

Stay @ Home Online Show

Rex Williams Untitled

Songbird Cline Untitled

Richard Harrison Iris #3

David Meyer Untitled

Rex Williams Untitled

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Call For Submissions

Spectrum Art Gallery At Fresno Yosemite International Airport

“Beauty and Joy”

Theme: “Beauty and Joy” Deadlines: Digital Files: Sunday, October 25, 2020 Matted Prints (if selected): Saturday, December 5, 2020 The Fresno Air Terminal has offered a wonderful opportunity to Spectrum Art Gallery! As part of our Traveling Exhibition program this is a significant new venue, which will reach the air travel community. We hope you will consider participating by making your work available according to the guidelines that they require. Guidelines: • The theme for this exhibition will be “Beauty and Joy.” • All works sold must remain up in the exhibition during the show. • All works sold will be fulfilled by the artist once the showing closes. Framing is not included in sales. The artist will need to provide framing if listing price as framed. • Spectrum Art Gallery retains 35% of all sales resulting from the exhibition as commission. • All works must be matted to 30” x 30,” with a single 4-ply overmat. Window cuts can be any size to fit your artwork, but should not be smaller than 11x14 and no larger than 20x20. • Frames are provided for the exhibition. • Subject Matter must be flight-friendly for travelers: • Must not violate Spectrum Art Gallery’s Non-Profit Status by promoting religious or political affiliation. •Must be family-friendly; no nudes, violence, or adult- oriented subject matter • Flight-Friendly can be considered calming views and colors. Should not have lightning strikes, wildfires, animal attacks, etc. • The City of Fresno wants to be inclusive of artworks within the Airport, but please keep in mind that travelers are there to fly, not necessarily look at art. Please do not “push the envelope,” but instead submit works that would be a good, strong fit for a public viewing. • The Curator and the City of Fresno has the final decision as to what can be included and what cannot be included in the exhibition based on guidelines set forth by the City of Fresno. • Please have an alternative submission available if you are unsure your first image fits the guidelines to ensure inclusion into the show. If you are interested in participating, please send up to two digital images you would like considered, 5” on the longest

edge at 300ppi. Any questions or for more details on how to submit your works, please email Jesse at curator@spectrumphotogallery.org

We continue to exist this 40th year!

Call For Submissions

Friends of the

Gallery Collectors Prints

Spectrum Art Gallery has considered generous donors of varying levels as Friends of the Gallery. Based on their donation level, they would be able to acquire a selection of collectors prints as a “thank you.” These prints were generously donated by members in the past. We are again seeking donations from members to continue to offer this fantastic benefit to our sponsors. This is an excellent opportunity to help Spectrum Art Gallery continue to meet its mission and get your work in collectors’ hands! If you would like your image to be considered, please see the guidelines below, and always feel free to email if you have any questions. Deadlines: Digital Files: Sunday, November 1, 2020 Matted Prints (if selected): Sunday, November 15, 2020 Guidelines: • There is no theme for this opportunity. The subject and process is open, so long as the content does not violate Spectrum Art Gallery’s Non-Profit Status by promoting religious or political affiliation. • All works submitted must be the work of the member/artist submitting. • All works donated are gifts to sponsors of Spectrum Art Gallery at the Friends of the Gallery levels. There are no commissions or other compensation provided. Please contact your tax professional to determine what portions you may deduct for tax purposes. • All works must be matted with a single 4-ply overmat. Window cuts can be any size to fit your artwork. Completed works (mat sizes) should not be smaller than 8”x10” and no larger than 20”x24” in whole sizes only. • All works must be provided sleeved or shrink wrapped. • The Exhibition Committee will review all submissions and will select the images that will be included in the offering. If selected, you will be notified via email. • If you are selected, you must provide an edition of 5 matted and sleeved prints to the gallery by Sunday, November 15, 2020. • If you are interested in participating, please send up to three digital images you would like considered, 5” on the longest edge at 300ppi.

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• Please include the title of work and a statement of your image size and the proposed mat size for each image you submit. (ex. Print #1 – “Sky” 8x10 matted to 11x14). • Any questions or for more details on how to submit your works, please email Jesse at curator@spectrumphotogallery.org

Call For Submissions

SPECTRUM ART GALLERY’S BROCHURE UPDATE

Want your image on our new brochure? We are updating our membership brochure, and your image can be included! If you are interested in having your work considered for the brochure, please follow the instructions below: • Submissions are open to all active members • Submit up to 3 images, 5 inches on the longest edge, at 300ppi. • Label your image in the following format: LastName_FirstName_Title.jpg • Must be a jpg or tif/tiff • Email your images to curator@spectrumphotogallery.org Please put “MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE” in the subject line of your email. Submission deadline is Midnight on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. A committee will select the images for the brochure. If selected, you will be notified via email once the brochure has been approved by the Board of Directors. Please note, works by members who have not been previously included into prior brochures will be considered first. Further, by submitting your image(s) as above you grant Spectrum Art Gallery permission to use the electronic file of your image to produce the membership brochure.

Call For Submissions

Member’s Online Exhibition

“Hope”

All active Spectrum Gallery members are encouraged to submit 4 digital image files to be exhibited for our upcoming, online Exhibition. This will be available for viewing through a link from our website and Social media links.

Please email your 4 digital jpeg image files to the curator at curator@spectrumphotogallery.org by the submission deadline below. At least 2 of your images received by the curator before the deadline will be exhibited. Who: Active Spectrum Members What: Works that fit the group theme of “Hope” When: Submission Deadline Sunday, November 8 by Midnight Where: To be displayed in an online exhibition How: Submit up to 4 digital files of your work Standard rectangular or square formatted jpeg images must be at least 800 pixels tall. Images taller than 800 pixels tall are also OK. Horizontal panoramic jpeg image files must be at least 1,500 pixels wide. Images wider than 1,500 pixels are also OK. Vertical panoramic jpeg image files must be at least 800 pixels tall. Images taller than 800 pixels are also OK.

Welcome our New Board Members

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A Note from the President

As many of you know by now, I am quite fascinated with language as our primary method of communicating with other human beings. Like many among us, I also seek and love the non-verbal communication very often present in a work of art. Counterpoint to all that, I am equally frustrated by the ambiguities of our language. Take for instance the word OBJECT. At once it is a noun and it is a verb. i.e. as a noun it is a material thing that can be seen and touched, (“he was moving a large object”), or it is a person or thing to which a specified action or feeling is directed, (“the disease became the object of investigation”), and as a verb it is to say or do something to express one’s disapproval of or disagreement with something, (“the residents object to the volume of traffic”).

In computer science, an object can be a variable, a data structure, a function, or a method, and as such, is a value in memory referenced by an identifier.

An object is a philosophy term often used in contrast to the term subject. A subject is an observer and an object is a thing observed.

With these thoughts in mind, I wondered if the object behind capturing a given object with a camera or even making an object, that by its very existence, objects to one thing or another isn’t, in and of itself, a conundrum of quicksand. So, to pacify myself during the pandemic’s shutdown, I consulted experts.

In his book, CAMERA LUCIDA, Roland Barthes discusses the object amidst discussing the primary concepts of punctum and studium.

punctum 1. To wound. 2. Denoting the wounding, personally touching detail which establishes a direct relationship with the object or person within it. “Yet the punctum shows no preference for morality or good taste: the punctum can be ill-bred”

studium 1. To show interest. 2. Denoting the cultural, linguistic and political interpretation of a photograph. “I invest them with my studium, (which is never my delight or my pain).”

Again, to quote Barthes, “Yes indeed, the photograph is dangerous, by endowing it with functions, which are to inform, to represent, to surprise, to cause to signify, to provoke desire.”

ON PHOTOGRAPHY, a collection of essays exploring the relationship of photography to art, to consciousness and to knowledge by Susan Sontag offers another viewpoint.

Quoting Sontag, “Movies and television programs light up walls, flicker, and go out; but with still photographs the image is also an object.”

Photography, according to Susan Sontag, holds an almost unlimited authority in modern society. Such photographic images are capable of replacing reality by virtue of being not only a mirror or interpretation of it, but also a relic of reality, something that is taken straight from it.

“In Plato’s Cave” she argues that humanity is still in Plato’s cave. Photography’s changes are conditions of imprisonment and create a kind of “ethics of vision” and the feeling that we can contain the whole world in our heads.

Photographers always, inevitably, impose their own preferences on their product merely by choosing where they point their camera and how they point it.

This new normal, a reality of sheltering at home provides a large dose of solitude. I have always enjoyed my alone time, but do not like being lonely. So, besides having way more time to make my art and reading, I have to admit to watching way more movies and shows on TV thanks to the internet.

The following are links to photography related sites that I enjoyed and want to share with all of you.

Please stay safe and healthy, we will get through these extremely challenging times. I miss you all.

https://hyperallergic.com/587736/the-cheekiest-animal-photos-from-the-2020-comedy-wildlife-photography-awards/

https://www.ted.com/talks/uldus_bakhtiozina_wry_photos_that_turn_stereotypes_upside_down

https://www.artsy.net/artwork/deborah-oropallo-and-andy-rappaport-crude?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=daily-&utm_term=21481608-09-11-20

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-new-generation-photographers-defying-traditional-genres?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=daily-&utm_term=21481608-09-11-20

https://www.ted.com/talks/riitta_ikonen_and_karoline_hjorth_nature_folklore_and_serendipitous_photo_collaborations

Spectrum Information

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Spectrum Information

Curator’s Corner

Smoke fills the dark sky

People don’t want to cough loud

2020 sucks

Okay, so I shouldn’t quit my day job and write haikus, but you get the idea.

The Gallery hasn’t been the lively, beautiful space in some time. But that’s just because it’s missing its most exciting works of art: YOU! While we are still keeping the doors closed (for now) due to health and safety, we are still looking for opportunities to keep our members engaged, all while providing a visual and cultural experience to the public.

In this special edition of the Focus newsletter, you will find that there are several calls for works. This is the time to show off what you have been working on, or to review that portfolio and find your hidden gems! I would like to encourage you all to submit your works for these calls and participate.

The first call involves the Online Gallery. Our current submissions are for the theme, “Hope.” This is a very open theme, and I am sure everyone has works that can fit this theme. As such, I would hope that all our members participate!

The next call is for the Airport. Unfortunately due to COVID-19, the updates to the exhibition space were not completed, so we will be doing another round or two of the large, 30x30 square frames. However, this is still a great opportunity to get your works in the eyes of the public! Another open theme of “Beauty and Joy.” This show is curated, but you can’t be selected if you don’t submit!

Following is a call for submissions for the upcoming gallery brochure. Let’s get your work featured on this prominent document - your work can inspire future members to join, so submit your work now! Please note that the exhibition committee has decided that we will give priority consideration to members who have not been selected previously for the brochure.

Lastly is a call for a donation of an edition of works for the Friends of the Gallery level of sponsorship at the Gallery. Your work could be in the hands of collectors and donors! Check out the call and let me know if you have any questions. Please note that this opportunity will be curated by the exhibition committee as well.

Spectrum’s 40th Anniversary has come and passed, but that doesn’t mean that we still aren’t going to celebrate! We’ve only been delayed, but our resolve to coordinate and implement an amazing celebration for our members has never been stronger! It may be a little later, but that just means we have more time to make it extra special. To participate in planning these opportunities, please be sure to join us at our next 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee meeting. Check the “Important Dates” section on page 1 to find the next meeting date, or email Steve at info@stevedzerigian.com to be included in the zoom meeting invite.

And finally, what are we doing about exhibition shows that were planned? Well, while we can’t fully plan for what may affect us in the future, we can still plan ahead and HOPE for our plans to continue without any major obstacles. So, I am contacting the exhibitors who were impacted by the temporary closure of the gallery and working shows in planning for Spring of 2021. Assuming all goes well, we should get well caught up and moving forward! That being said, I will be opening up interests for the 2022 and 2023 exhibition years. However, I would encourage you to take a look at the updated Member’s Manual that will be coming out very soon, as the exhibition booking process will be changing slightly. But I am happy to share those details as well should you be interested in showing.

Are you interested in an exhibition in the Main Space of the Gallery? The 2022 and 2023 calendars are now open! Reservations are based on priority. As always, waiting list spots are always available. Waitlisted persons can fill open spots as well as be first to add to the next calendar year. If you are interested in showing your work at Spectrum, please submit an email request to Jesse Merrell, Curator, and request the sign-up form. Please note, you will not be added to the exhibition list until you have submitted the sign-up form, your information has been verified, and the exhibition requirements have been satisfied. The sign-up form contains all the details. It will be your responsibility to ensure you remain a member of Spectrum Art Gallery and in good standing until your exhibition is completed.

Questions? Feel free to contact Jesse Merrell at Curator@spectrumphotogallery.org Phone: (559) 512-0457

Questions? Feel free to contact Jesse Merrell at

Curator@spectrumphotogallery.org

Phone: (559) 512-0457

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Spectrum Art Gallery608 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno

In the Tower District559-266-0691

Thursday ArtHop 5:00 - 8:00 pmFriday 12:30 - 8:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

www.spectrumphotogallery.org

Spectrum Art Gallery Board

President: Edward Gillum edgillum@comcast.net Vice-President: John Moses jwmoses@comcast.net Treasurer: Craig Beal cbeal53@att.net Secretary: Gailan Gray gailangray@gmail.com

Directors at Large: Wendy Denton wendydenton@sti.net

Steve Dzerigian info@stevedzerigian.com

Linda Knight knight7380@gmail.com

Patrick Rhames rhamesphotography@gmail.com

Sitting Schedule Hours

ArtHop Thursdays: 5:00 - 8:00 PMFridays: 5:00 - 8:00 PMSaturdays and Sundays: First Sitter 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Second Sitter 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Contact Juergen Vespermann to sign up for weekend sitting! juergen.vespermann@sbcglobal.net or 559-431-0850

Are you not receiving our e-mails? Please let us know!!

Contact John Moses to sign up for weekday sitting!jwmoses@comcast.net or 559-960-7032

Thursdays & Fridays: 12:30 - 5:00 PM First Sitter 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Second Sitter 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Closed Temporarily due to Stay at Home MeasuresSpectrum Art Gallery’s

Image and Idea Sharing:

Live “Zoom” Conference

October 21 & November 25th at 7:00 pm

Please join us for our upcoming virtual, Image and Idea Sharing, a live “Zoom” Conference. You may share images or just join in the discussion.

By email let Steve Dzerigian (info@stevedzerigian.com) know you would like to participate.

WHO: Active Spectrum Members

The first eight* to send their requests to share images will be included. Those not wishing to share may also join us, but we will only have time for eight “portfolios” per sharing night.

*Any requests received after the first eight will be placed on the top of the waiting list for inclusion on the next sharing (TBA).

What: 6 digital image files

Please create on your desktop a folder containing up to 6 digital image files (jpeg’s preferably for quicker loading) of the work you wish to share and discuss. If you have no digital file for something you wish to share, you can also physically hold an item to share in front of the built-in camera on your computer (though viewing details and quality will likely suffer greatly).

WHEN: October 21& November 25th at 7:00 pm

WHERE: On a computer with a built-in camera

HOW: Email Steve Dzerigian at info@stevedzerigian.com no later than 12 pm on October 21st and November 25th, to let him know you wish to participate. By noon on October 21st and Novemnber 25th, 2020 you should receive an email with your “Zoom” Conference link.

If you don’t receive the email link in your Inbox by 5 pm, October 21st and November 25th, please notify me at <info@stevedzerigian.com> or phone (559) 442-4868.

If you are a Zoom novice, don’t worry! We will provide mentoring to the best of our ability.