Perspectives Art Gallery: Through the Looking Lens
Photography Exhibition
Perspectives Art Gallery held their second art opening from a truly unique perspective. On August 27, 2010 Through the Looking Lens: Photography Exhibition opened with great success in honor of dear friend and photographer, Margaret “Muffi” Lavigne. The exhibition will remain open until December 20, 2010.
Muffi Lavigne, originally from Connecticut, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from The University of Connecticut in 1993. Afterwards, she worked in Washington, DC in the public and non-for-profit arena, specializing in disability and advocacy issues for 12 years. During the summer of 2005, Muffi enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was at the age of seven when Muffi was diagnosed with a form muscular dystrophy (MD) known as Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy where she then became an inpatient at the Hospital for Special Care (HSC) in Connecticut.
Only able to move around in a wheelchair, Muffi has had a unique perspective when it comes to her photography. “I have been interested in photography since I was young. What I often find myself doing is just observing. My surroundings – inside or outside – have always been my best classroom and muse. Patterns in macro or micro levels can be revealed through simple observation. Because I try to stay aware of my surroundings, I often see a photograph in my mind, like an internal camera. My work comes from trying to capture that internal snapshot. With the advent of digital photography and photo editing programs, it has become easier and less costly to capture that internal image.”
When asked who she would like to see the proceeds go to, Muffi requested the proceeds from the exhibition and 15% of sales go towards Jerry’s Kids at the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Perspectives Art Gallery also asked several local area schools and the residents from The Children’s Home to participate in the photography event. With the theme of What does family mean to you? These budding photographers, ranging in age from 6 to 18, were asked to look at the question with a different perspective in mind capturing images from the family pet, the laundry line and family summer vacations. These photos and corresponding quotes will be on display throughout the duration of the exhibit.
Along side Muffi and the young photographers are several other talented artists who also participated in this event and will donate a portion of their sales to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. These participating artists include: Richard M. Caplan, Summer M. Underwood, Jennifer White, David Lychenheim, Dara Brown, Sarina Meshulam, Susan Da Fonseca, Nicole Galanakis, Brendan Lowder, David Weaver, Sarah Sertic, John Maloney, Don Wilson, Marcia Erickson, Joey Jacobson, Stephen Talabac, Marie McGing, Anjana Desai, Yogi Desai, Jana Scott & Susie Lipscher.
After hearing of the show and its cause, Richard M. Caplan agreed to donate 100% of sales to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Richard donated five beautiful archival prints on silver gelatin paper from negatives. In his artist statement Richard states that his “images are created with design in mind rather than any specific topic. When I am not on a “shooting expedition,” I am drawn to scenes that will lend themselves to a strong graphic image. I want the viewer to ask “What am I looking at?” “Where was this taken?” “Have I seen this place before?” His goal is to “make my photographic partner rethink his surroundings and see things that he could not visualize before.”
Perspectives Art Gallery would also like to thank local sponsors: Cherryvale Liquors, The Wine Bin & Christopher Galanakis for helping making Through the Looking Lens a successful show!
For more information on Through the Looking Lens: Photography Exhibition check out the gallery at 8191 Main Street, Ellicott City, Maryland. For more information about upcoming exhibitions and local causes being supported or for a private tour, please email Lauren Erickson at Lauren@jsrassociates.net