‘Shadow and Light’ to open Thursday at Albany’s Carnegie Library gallery

ALBANY — The Albany Area Arts Council is welcoming the public to the opening of its latest monthly arts exhibit with a brief reception Thursday night.

The exhibit, titled “Shadow and Light,” features photography from members of Albany’s Sunbelt Photography Club, and will run through the month of March.

The latest in the Arts Council’s monthly series, the exhibit is designed as a way to generate interest in local artists and in this case photographers, while also providing them with some needed exposure.

The Sunbelt Photography Club, which was organized in 1991 by David Hicks and Charles Gillespie, brings together mostly amateur photographers to share in their common interest.

According to Albany Area Arts Council Executive Director Nicole Williams, the fact that the “Shadow and Light” exhibit features the work of 15 photographers who don’t take pictures for a living is one of the things that has her excited about the exhibit.

“While all of the artwork in the show is photography, the variation arises from the fact that 15 different artists are represented,” Williams said. “It is incredibly interesting to see how differently they use style and subject matter within the same medium.

“As far as I know, none of the club members are ‘professional photographers.’ I really love that about this group. I am fascinated by people who have regular jobs and live regular, full lives, but remain so moved to make art that they find some way to fit it into their schedules.”

Current Sunbelt Photography Club president Jimmy Lindsey, who is one of the club members whose work will be featured in the exhibit, said the mission of the group is to “provide the mastery and furtherance of photography through cooperation, effort and good fellowship.”

Lindsey said it is that spirit of cooperation and willingness of the club members to help educate one and other that makes being a part of the group so much fun.

“The feedback from each member is what really makes this different,” said Lindsey. “It accelerates you along that learning curve. It is also a lot of fun.”

The opening reception for “Shadow and Light” runs from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. this evening at the Carnegie Library and is open to the public free of charge. Williams said light refreshments will be served and photographers from the club will be in attendance to discuss their work.

Williams also said that pieces from the exhibit will be available for sale.

“As always, the artwork in our exhibitions is for sale,” said Williams. “The sale of artwork here at the Arts Council helps support our work and the artists. Plus, it is a beautiful way to decorate your home or office with original works of art.”

The Carnegie Library is located at 215 N. Jackson Street in downtown Albany. To learn more about this exhibit and the Albany Area Arts Council visit www.albanyartscouncil.org

The Sunbelt Photography Club meets the third Thursday every month at 7 p.m. at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s North Campus. To learn more about the club visit the group’s Facebook page.