Photographic Arts Society marks 10th anniversary with exhibit in Erie

A group of Erie-area photographers came together in 1991 with a goal of promoting and supporting fine art photography in northwestern Pennsylvania by showcasing the work of the people taking the photos. 

Ten years later, the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania is still meeting that goal. The organization will mark its first decade as a nonprofit with a member exhibit. “Celebrating 10 Years” will open Friday and run through Sept. 28 at Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. Fifth St.

Organizers said the show will include panoramic landscapes, richly toned nature and wildlife images, and monochrome, abstract and impressionistic photographs. Featured photographers will include PASNWPA members Jack Anon, Alex Cohen, Candy Felege, Christine French, Melinda Isachsen, Dorothy Kloss, Patti Larson, Kathy Maloney, Brian Matthews, John Misterovich, Bob Raydo, Patty Raydo, Rebecca Samler, Monica Schwegman, Anna Marie Senita, Rodney Spencer, Mary Kay Talarico, Will Vitanyii III, Barbara Weaver, Kathy Welte, Gayle Winslow and Greg Zbach. They will be at the opening reception to discuss how they bring the visions for their photographic creations to fruition, according to information from Larson, the society’s president.

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PASNWPA was the brainchild of Terry Pytlarz, formerly of Erie and now of South Carolina, according to the society. Other founding members included Anon, Misterovich, Jim Steadman, Patty Raydo and Tony Hunter. 

Besides promoting and showcasing photography, their goals included defining photographic fine art by educating the community with gallery shows and programs, and teaching those who aspire to advance their photography as fine art.

The society has held numerous workshops, seminars and exhibits over the years.

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“Having an organization like PASNWPA is extremely important because it is a clear and concise reminder that photography is and always will be a valid art form,” Samler said. “With everyone grabbing pictures with their cellphones these days, I feel it is important to keep our fine art niche alive. If we can keep stirring emotions with our images, it seems we have achieved success.”