KINGSTON, R.I. — Amid the echoes of shutter clicks, the South County Art Association’s (SCAA) Open Juried Photography Annual has returned, running from now through April 13, drawing both emerging and seasoned artists into its fold.
As a staple exhibit of the SCAA for over three decades, this year’s event has attracted a record number of 140 submissions.
“Each year we have returning and new photographers who submit their photographs for a chance to be selected and shown in our gallery,” said Jen Ferry, the executive director of the SCAA.
The juror for this year’s exhibition is Al Weems, a visual artist born in Fall River, Massachusetts. He received a BA in Psychology from UMass Dartmouth.
For several decades, Weems was a corporate and commercial photographer with a focus on environmental portraiture. He now concentrates on fine art portraiture with a practice that seeks to elevate the ordinary.
Weems’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions, including shows at the Providence Art Club, the Newport Art Museum, and the Art League, Rhode Island.
“Our juror Al Weems did a great job selecting the pieces, and the exhibit as a whole has a very tranquil feeling,” said Ferry. “Some of the photographs have the subtlety of using monotones and minimalism. Others use light and shadows to evoke feelings from the viewers. All of the photos are unique in their own way, just as each photographer is unique in his or her style.”
During the opening reception last week, Barbara Crane won first place with “Inspiration,” praised for its captivating sculptured natural light. William Brennan’s “Hydrangea” earned second place, notable for its golden hue. Third place went to Joe Hyde for “Out of the Dark,” celebrated for its composition, print quality, and reflections. Honorable mentions included Tracy Stillwell’s “Blue Elephant” for its creativity, Marc Jaffe’s “Hugs & Kisses” for its engaging flow, and Renee Syed’s “Morning Dew” for its inspirational pull into the center.
Jaffe shared the story behind “Hugs and Kisses”, he was in Newport at Brenton Point, a popular spot for kite flying, and noticed three kites dancing in the wind. “I liked this shot because of its simplicity, but liked it even more when I realized the tails formed the letters ‘XO,’” said Jaffe. “That’s why I titled it ‘Hugs and Kisses.’”
The inspiration behind this juried exhibition is rooted in the SCAA’s commitment to supporting and promoting photographers of all levels, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to exhibit their work. “We didn’t want to limit the show to only ‘traditional’ photographs,” said Ferry. “The work will be considered as long as the main impetus for the work was created using a camera.”
In a bold move to reflect the ever-changing dynamics of photography, the exhibit has embraced not just traditional photography but also experimental forms of lens-based media. “Many photographers are experimenting and pushing the limits of the medium,” Ferry said.
Ferry also highlighted that by providing a platform for photographers to exhibit and potentially sell their work, the event offers exposure and support that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. “We exhibit a wide range of fine art photography. It reflects the true creative expression of each photographer,” she said.
The SCAA is keen on preserving the integrity and originality of photographic art, especially when artificial intelligence (AI) and digital manipulation are today’s hot topics.
“AI is a complicated issue,” said Jaffe “If AI is used just to sharpen or improve one’s own photo, that’s OK. Like using Photoshop. But if the entire artwork is produced by using other people’s work searched for on the internet and used without consent or credit, I do have a problem with that. And definitely in that case the work should be labeled as done by AI.”
The organization has implemented policies to ensure that all exhibited works are original in conception and execution, maintaining a level playing field for all artists.
Ferry points out, “Most photographers use some sort of digital manipulation to enhance their photos, but it has to be done in a way that the idea comes from them, not an AI program.”
As a nonprofit that has existed for almost 100 years, Ferry noted that the SCAA values history and tradition.
“Much of the work these days revolves around digital photography. However, some still develop their work from film in a darkroom,” said Ferry. “We hope to see a trend of going back to traditional processes.”
The South County Art Association is located at 2587 Kingstown Road in Kingston. The gallery is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. For exhibition updates and event information, visit southcountyart.org.
