Monday Reception: New Photo Exhibit at Colonial Church, Edina

Review:

I had the pleasure of attending tonight's reception at the Eleven 40 Exhibit currently showing at Colonial Church of Edina. All the images were professionally framed and beautifully hung. I would love to mention each image specifically, but everything displayed by these eleven skilled photographers is well worth seeing.

That said, I especially liked "Almost Circular Staircase" by Steven Shor. Many photographers take shots of circular staircases, but Steven inserted something unexpected that makes the image standout as something quite special. Peter Wong's "Tall Trees" is a lovely print of a forest expanse that draws you into its depths with sharp detail, delicate color and deep shadow, to say nothing of its impressive print size. Some images clearly demand to be printed large and their makers should and do obey. The same can be said of Peter's stunning "Power of the Waves", which simply must be seen in person in order to properly experience the amazing blue-greens of its foaming waves.

Standing on it's own as a classical photograph is Forrest Pearson's "Child with a Compass at Summer Camp". A wonderful black and white print of two young boys staring out of image and daring to engaging the viewer. An image not to be missed and uniquely special.

Brian Billadeau's outstanding presentation of "Elephant Repose" also stands out as something special and begs to hang on someones library wall. As well it should.

Lars Michael's "Pu'uhanua o Honaunau, Big Island" is another large image that accentuates the detail and beauty of landscape photography. He is joined by Cynthia Fleury's wonderful "Boats in Marina Morning Light", John Ringquist's delightful "Red Biplane", and John Olson's popular "Vintage America Series" that displays a skillful and beautiful rendition of rodeo life. Also there is a favorite image of mine - Brad Kissell's "The Meek and the Mighty", a skillful display of the use of light and dark in botanical nature. Mark Karney experimented with canvas printing and presented an unusual image mounting that will appeal to many with its dramatic 3-D style and entrancing colors reminiscent of the mid-century. Michael Gilligan presented two lovely images, "Shore Ice", and a striking black and white of a young boy standing in the lake waters, called "Boy's Silhouette".

In short, an excellent collection of local photography - please take the time to drop by the Church and enjoy the Exhibition. It will be hanging until June 1, 2012.

- Barb Smith

Colonial Church is exhibiting the work of eleven local photographers:
There will be an opening reception on Monday, April 2, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
The exhibit is free and open to the public from April 2 – June 1, 2012.

This collaborative exhibit is presented by eleven Twin Cities area, award- wining photographers. These 40 images showcase some of their best and most creative work. E ach of these photographers is unique in style and vision, yet unified by their high-level of artistic talent and passion for photography.

Exhibit images are available for purchase. Pricing and contact information will be listed in a catalog available at the church.
A percentage of all sales made will be donated to Colonial Church as thanks for providing space and opportunity for this exhibit.