The Davie County Council on the Arts’ Photo Club survived the COVID-19 shutdown by switching from traditional in-person meetings to virtual meetings using Zoom.
As the pandemic subsided last summer, the group moved to mixed meetings, and in March, it was back in Brooke.
The idea for a Davie County Photo Club began as a conversation between Mark Weir and Sidney Suggs at the Davie County Art Council’s annual Picture and Dimensions exhibition in 2017. The DCAC Board of Directors quickly approved the creation of ArtWorks’ Photo Club. The club’s first meeting was held in the Brook Building on Main Street in April 2017 with eight initial members. Membership has since grown to 14.
“The Davy County Council on the Arts is fortunate to have Mark Weir as club leader,” said Suggs. He spends countless hours preparing for meetings and field trips. He then emailed detailed minutes of what the members explored and the technical information discussed.”
“I feel inspired when I see the photos taken by the club members,” Ware said. “It makes me want to go out to take more photos. I enjoy passing on tips I’ve learned from other photographers. Photography is a never ending learning experience.”
Dwaine Phifer of Cleveland, North Carolina said, “For me, as an artist, what is most important is the group’s discussion of the intentional visual story inherent in any truly unique artistic image. This exploration of artistic purpose is the primary reason for investing time and creative effort in support of DCAC Photo Club.”
DC Photo Club members come from a wide range of experiences with regard to the mechanics of images, photographic equipment and how to artistically express what they see through the lens of a camera.
“Club members viewing about five photos of each member at each meeting, based on a theme or concept each month, provides members with feedback on the degree to which they have successfully implemented an artistic vision for the themed mission.
“The artistic history of photography, in black and white, is honored and explored through group discussion. Mark can use his computer editing software to instantly provide visual feedback on the group’s proposal to manipulate the image to improve artistic storytelling and/or composition.” This creative discussion is truly the heart of the DCA Photo Club.”
Randleman’s Bill Ferry writes: “The club offers photography for most subjects (whatever you want, someone in the group does). Our club offers something to take on camera for professional work. New ideas are encouraged by the group at every meeting. Also, Our annual dues can’t be beat with a superior meeting facility.
Rhonda Proctor of Advance said: “I recently joined this club and am very happy with it. When I moved to this area several years ago, I began to seek interaction with people who had a passion for photography as well as a common desire to share their knowledge, interests and skills. The bonus is that we We all live in or near Davie County, so I make new friends.Every time we gather, I learn more about this area, the meaningful history the locals have shared, and the sites I have to explore.
“During the monthly meetings, I find it very helpful that we share our art, tell the story behind our vision, have an open discussion about technologies, opportunities, equipment setup, and applications used in post-processing, and be comfortable enough to ask or give feedback through experiments. Previous in other photography institutions I have found some to be more competitive in structure and not focus on idea generation or working on skill sets.This photography club has a lot to offer, especially since everyone involved has a variety of skills, experiences and interests.I am fortunate to have discovered Something very unique here in Davie County.”
Joanna Rutter of Colemi said: “I enjoy the photo club especially after zooming in because I can’t go out at night much. I enjoy seeing the photos of the other club members and their talents reflected in every photo. Seeing their photos helps me know what I can do to improve my photography. “
The club meets in the Arts Council Classroom on the second Monday of every month at 6 pm. Meetings include open discussion and constructive criticism of members’ photos along with questions and answers on technical topics.
Club members create their images using simple equipment such as smartphones for a range of DSLR cameras; And even specialized telescopic cameras to gaze at the wonders of the celestial universe. The collective experience of club members is able to address most of the questions that arise during club meetings.
Other club activities include: photo tours of interesting locations and a variety of DCAC events. Previous photo walks and club excursions have included the Antique Tractor & Engine Show in Mocksville, the Lexington Air Show, NC Transportation Museum, Randolph Community College, Reynolda House, Bailey Park and Salem Lake, Hanging Rock State Park, and downtown Salisbury, Tanglewood Arboretum, Carolina Raptor Center, Wilson Creek and Miles for Meals 5k in Tanglewood Park.
Call the Arts Council at 336-751-3112.
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