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By Brad McEwen

ALBANY — Photography and art lovers will be able to check out the work of some of the area’s best photographers when the Albany Area Arts Council opens it latest monthly exhibit on Thursday.

This month’s exhibit, titled “Take Your Best Shot,” will feature the works of several members of the Sunbelt Photography Club, and will be on display at the Arts Council’s Carnegie Library headquarters in downtown Albany.

According Larry Bentley, acting Sunbelt Photography Club president, the annual showcase serves as a way to get gallery exposure for club members, and as way to boosting the club’s profile in the community.

“It’s a good way to show off our work,” Bentley said. “We do it every March. It’s also a good way to get folks interested in photography and in the club. Some of the club members are old wheels and have been doing this a long time, but others are just learning about photography”

Bentley said there are many area residents who own cameras or are interested in getting involved in photography, that don’t even know the club exists, which is one of the reasons the club takes part in the exhibition.

For the Arts Council, hosting the annual Sunbelt Photography Club show allows the organization to continue its mission of promoting local artists and providing them exposure.

“We like to encourage everyone to get involved in the arts and this is a great way to show people the kinds of things they can get involved with locally,” said Albany Area Arts Council Executive Director Nicole Williams. “The annual Sunbelt exhibit is just another way we can spread the word about the great talent we have right here in our backyard.”

“Take Your Best Shot” will feature nearly 70 pieces by 19 different photographers, and will contain a variety of different kinds of photography, including nature photos, black and white photography, landscapes, portraits and more.

The exhibit will open Thursday with an opening reception at 6 p.m. The reception, open to the public, will feature light refreshments and admission is free of charge.

Many of the photographers whose work will be on display will also be in attendance and guests are encouraged to speak with them to learn more about their work and about the Sunbelt Photography Club, which is open to the public.

Bentley said the club meets the third Thursday of every month at Phoebe North, on Palmyra Road, in education room one, which can be found by entering the building through the former emergency room entrance.

Club membership is $20 a year, which includes the opportunity to show work at various exhibitions, but more importantly, Bentley said, the club allows photographers of all skill levels an opportunity to network and learn more about photography.

The Sunbelt Photography Club “Take Your Best Shot” exhibit will run throughout the month of March and can be seen during the Arts Council’s normal operating hours.

The Arts Council’s Carnegie Library headquarters is located at 215 N. Jackson St. in downtown Albany and is open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays.

To learn more about the Albany Area Arts Council, visit www.albanyartscouncil.org or contact the organization at (229) 439-ARTS (2787).