Thirty-three years ago, when Pam Lerner was artistic director for Green Mountain Cultural Center, photographers came to her saying it wasn’t fair to have an art show at the Round Barn where photography wasn’t included. They were right, so she and a photographer friend, Pat Dockendorf, started a show strictly for photographers. It quickly grew from a three-day event to becoming a monthlong part of the August Festival of the Arts schedule.
The arrival of digital photography, while welcomed gladly by some photographers, was frowned on by others who argued that it shouldn’t be allowed in the show. Heated discussions continued for a few years but finally faded away. Julie Parker joined Lerner in designing the show about 15 years ago and helped bring it into the digital age. Today, there are only a few film photographers in the show. The annual event, now in the Big Red Barn at Lareau Farm and Forest in Waitsfield has always been an open, non-juried show and the quality of the work is high. Photographers have come from all over, some years even emailing photos from as far as the Far East to be printed and framed locally. Some print and frame their own. Some have even made their own frames.
New this year, photographers who volunteer to greet visitors will bring extra work to display. This gives visitors a chance to meet and talk with these artists. MRVArts will list those photographers on its website. Go to madrivervalleyarts.org, under Exhibitions click on Green Mountain Photo Show.
The 33rd annual Green Mountain Photo Show is sponsored by the Hector W. Griswold Trust and Art Works Frame Shop and Gallery in South Burlington. All are welcome at the Red Barn Galleries, September 10 thru October 8, Thursday and Friday, 4-9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
"We hope to see you at the opening reception on Sunday, September 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at which time visitors can speak to the photographers. This presentation is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite photo and children are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt,” said MRV Arts spokesperson Jean Sharry.
