ESTEVAN - The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum is showcasing local talent and Saskatchewan scenery through an exhibit by the Estevan Photography Club.
A reception was held Wednesday night at the EAGM to celebrate Through our Lens, which features dozens of photos that show the members' vision of Saskatchewan. The majority of the club's members were at the reception, and a large crowd turned out to congratulate them.
The exhibit features a variety of wildlife, landscape and nighttime scenery, as well as buildings, sports photos and more.
Photographer Chuck Chow was pleased the EAGM gave the photographers a chance to showcase their work. The art gallery approached the club late last year, Chow said, saying they had a spot for them if they wanted it.
The club has about 15 members, Chow said, and each could contribute up to five photos. Most of them opted for the maximum.
"This is the first time we've done this, put a show like this on, and Tye [curator-director Tye Dandridge-Evancio] helped us set it up, [showed us] how to do it," said Chow. "So, we'll do it again."
Chow said he enjoys photography and the club has great members.
"It's like therapy when I go out and shoot photos. I have a full-time job, and when I can have my camera in my hand, it's really great. I enjoy myself. All of my friends are photographers. I dream about photography," said Chow.
Mary Jacobs is a long-time photographer in the community. She participated in an exhibit at the gallery more than 15 years ago involving the previous photo club. She thought Through the Lens turned out beautifully, and she was pleased to see so many people were able to participate.
"I love looking at what people see and how they see it," said Jacobs.
The current collection of photographers is an "awesome bunch", she said, because they can share and learn from each other. They often go out driving and looking to take pictures of wildlife, which is currently Jacobs' primary source of photos.
Linda Murphy, who is another club member, spoke at the reception and thanked the EAGM for curating the show and allowing the club to host its meetings.
"We get to see each other's works. There's one thing about showing your pictures on the camera that you have, or your iPad, but Jon Gillies, who has been part of the photography club in the past, had a phrase that resonated with me: 'It's not a picture until you print it,'" said Murphy.
The club decided to print an assortment of photos that appeal to members, Murphy said. Based on the attendance, she believes the photos appeal to the public as well.
Dandridge-Evancio said the work speaks for itself, and he has been thrilled to show the work of "this incredible group". They have various experiences and backgrounds, and he said it reflects in Through our Lens.
The club meets on the final Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Photographers of all skill levels and experiences are welcome, including beginners. It's not too late to join for the rest of the season, Chow said, and a membership fee goes back to the club.
"People come and go. They have their busy lives," said Chow. "We have a good group of people, and we try to encourage the newcomers [to photography], and I try to teach myself."
Through our Lens has been on display since Nov. 24, and will remain until Jan. 26, 2024.
