As anyone who has been reading this blog from its inception last October knows, I am not in any way a professional photographer. I am someone with a really good camera who has a crazy passion for photography and is constantly trying to explore the Saratoga area while, in the process, improving my photographic techniques. Sometimes I am successful. Sometimes I’m not. I am a work in progress.
A very dear friend of mine, Mary Frances Millet, who is a talented area artist, convinced me to submit some of my photos to the selection committee for the 4th annual Trask Art Show and Sale which was to be held on June 11, 2015. I was excited to be a part of this wonderful event, hosted by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, uniting local artists and art lovers for an evening honoring and celebrating the spirit of Saratoga Springs. My three photos, which I was delighted to find out had been accepted, are pictured in the two shots above hanging at the show. They are the ones with the pinks/lavenders/grays, one in the top photo and two in the second…all sunrise photos I have taken in the last eight months.
The reception was held at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park and included live music, hors d’oeuvres and open bar. It was very well attended and much of the artwork was beautifully displayed on partitions made of re-purposed old doors.
As quoted from their website, “The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has been the leading advocate for the preservation of Saratoga Springs’ unique architectural, cultural, and landscapes heritage. We continue to shine a spotlight on new opportunities for community growth and economic development through preservation. There is an energy unique to Saratoga Springs because everyone in the city takes pride in creating and sustaining a vibrant and successful environment. By investing in the preservation of Saratoga Springs, we enjoy a special place that supports both residents and visitors with opportunities to shop, live, dine, and be entertained.”
I have to admit, it is a somewhat terrifying thing to put your artwork or, in my case, photography out to the public and then hope that other people see what it is that you were trying to capture…and want to BUY it.
Below are a couple shots of me with some of the other artists, as well as a dear friend who came out to support me. The first is a shot of myself (center) along with Mary Frances Millet (L), and Edie Cannizzo (R), both very gifted artists.
The next shot is with Peggy Gray, an extraordinary fashion designer and owner of 22 Shades of Gray, as well as my good friend, Ronnie McCluskey who owns RM Irish Jewels.
After a couple of hours and a couple of glasses of wine, I am happy to say that all three of my photos sold! This was a first for me and very, very exciting.
Mary Frances sold two of her watercolors, one of which is pictured below. It is entitled, “Surf Rider.”
It was a great crowd of friendly people, all appreciating the work and creativity of the various featured artists, and a wonderfully memorable first experience into the world of art shows. Hopefully, as I continue to improve my photography, I will do more of this type of thing!
Then, as a fitting finish to an evening celebrating Saratoga, I stepped out of the Casino to head to the car and was greeted with the sparkling beauty of Congress Park at night. Of course, I took more photos.
