Photography takes center stage at the North Fork Arts Center (211 Front St., Greenport, 631-477-8600) as the IMPACT Photo Show brings together East End artists for an exhibition exploring the power of an image.
Organized by Paul Henry, an NFAC board member, and co-curator Jeremy Garretson, a photographer whose work documents the people, industries and environments of the East End, the juried exhibition will feature 100 photographs selected through a blind jury process from nearly 500 submissions by about 170 artists.
“We wanted to include the community, and we didn’t want to pick and choose who was going to be in the show,” Henry says. “We wanted people to come forth for several reasons.”
That community-first approach reflects Henry’s broader vision for NFAC, which has been developing programming since Josh Sapan donated the Greenport Theatre. Having previously founded the East End Student Film Project, Henry hopes IMPACT will serve as a starting point for a photography program at NFAC, with future educational opportunities, workshops and mentorships connecting experienced photographers with the next generation of image-makers.
“I wanted people to come forth with things that they loved, things that they thought were important, things that they really thought were worthwhile to share, that other people would attach to and engage with,” Henry says.
Each photograph on display will include a statement from its creator, offering visitors insight into the story behind the image. The open call welcomed students, amateurs and professionals, reflecting the organizers’ belief that compelling photography is accessible to everyone.
The opening on Oct. 24 will feature two panel discussions before the gallery reception. From 2 to 3 p.m., Through the Juror’s Eye: Selecting the Winning Photograph will explore the characteristics editors and jurors look for when selecting images for publication and photography competitions. Panelists Amnon Bar-Tur, Jim Willse and Harvey Stein will discuss what makes a photograph stand out and how images are evaluated.
From 3 to 4 p.m., On Assignment: Celebrity Photography will offer a behind-the-scenes look at celebrity photography, with Guerin Blask, Macall Polay and Deborah Feingold sharing stories from their careers photographing well-known figures and navigating the challenges of working on assignment.
The gallery opening and reception follow from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors can view the 100 selected photographs, each accompanied by the photographer’s statement, and vote for their favorites in a planned best-in-show selection.
“We’re delighted to host IMPACT at the North Fork Arts Center and to open our doors to the extraordinary creative talent here on the East End,” Alison Omens, NFAC executive director, says. “We want NFAC to be a place where our community can gather around the arts in all their forms, and we’re excited to welcome these artists and their work into the center.”
The exhibition will remain on view at NFAC for about a month.
