By Melissa Smalley
An art exhibit that opened at Parkside Art Gallery on Aug. 19 features the photography of a group of local women.
The work of Women in Focus – a photography club started in 100 Mile House in 2012 – is currently on display at the Parkside Art Gallery, with 36 pieces from 12 photographers featured.
The show is the second of its kind for the club, says Monika Paterson, one of the club’s founding members.
Paterson says the group was first formed as a way for female photographers to garner feedback and advice from women who share their passion for pictures.
“We thought it would be nice to get a group of women together, and to share a women’s point of view on photography.”
The idea quickly caught on, Paterson says, adding the group has more than 30 local members and close to 350 members around the world on Facebook.
The local members meet once a month – usually the third Saturday – at the Cariboo Regional District Library-100 Mile House Branch from 10 a.m. to noon. The meetings serve as an opportunity for members to share their expertise, and to view each other’s work through different angles and opinions.
“It’s always good to interact with other photographers and see how other people see things,” Paterson says.
“Even for me, having done this for so long, I still learn things from the other ladies who offer a different point of view.”
One of the nice things about the group, she explains, is the wide range of experience levels among members.
She adds even the equipment used by members ranges from simple “aim-and-shoots” to larger digital SLR cameras.
“It’s not about the camera you use or technique, but [rather it’s] about the vision you see and capture.”
The theme of the Women in Focus exhibit at Parkside, which opened on Aug. 19 with a gala reception, is ‘Shades of Nature.’
Paterson says the pieces on display range from wildlife and scenics to flowers, landscapes and even some action shots.
While many of the photographers taking part have had their work on display before, Paterson points out that a couple of Women in Focus members are debuting their photography at the show, which runs until Sept. 19.
The club always welcomes new female photographers who may want to join. Contact information can be found on the group’s Facebook page, called Women in Focus 100 Mile.
To find out more about the exhibit, visit the gallery at 401 Cedar Ave. or call 250-395-2021.
Parkside Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
