Personal Impressions of AZPA Holiday Print Share 2023

Feature Image: Night Sky at Cattle Track Arts Compound © Monte Ewert

Thursday, December 7, 2023
Cattle Track Arts Compound, Scottsdale Arizona

What I love about the desert southwest is that we do not get snow in December. I dislike being cold. Another favorite of mine is the spirit of celebration and warmth, of connecting with friends at this year’s annual holiday party, and participating in the annual print share. This year, held on December 7, 2023 at Cattle Track Arts Compound in Scottsdale, I was finally on my feet again after a year long ordeal with medical issues. I was happy to be able to participate in the festivities. The table filled with savory and sweet snacks, a glass of wine or two, a sneak peek exhibition of William Fuller’s Faces and Figures exhibition, and members sharing stories behind a favorite image in their collection, made the entire evening a dream come true. What could be better than munching on some decadent cheese and really great brownies, eagerly offering my hugs and hellos to other members?

It was a special opportunity to focus on Bill Fuller’s stunning large format gelatin silver portraits. Included among the images are friends who I am proud to know: Cyd Peroni, Becky Senf, Claire A. Warden, and David Emitt Adams. Each of them possess a unique vision of photographic art. I felt a creative spirit was very much alive that evening in the beautiful pieces of photography presented. Another treat from Bill Fuller’s work was Jay Dusard’s portrait, which brought back memories of seeing Dusard’s stunning black-and-white portraits of cowboys.

I have a great appreciation for the people and the time and effort they took to put their love of photography forth to be shared with all. It was indeed a festive event this year. The eagerly awaited photo share was the chance to show and tell about an image that had a special meaning to each participant. Everyone put their shyness aside, climbed onto the stage, and under a spotlight, placed their favorite photo on an easel and just began to talk. Even though there was a time limit of ten minutes per share, the “rule” became quite flexible as the evening progressed. I felt so nervous sharing at last year’s photo share but when I was finished sharing I realized I had faced my fear of speaking in public. I had talked about the work of an obscure, long-gone landscape photographer whose work I owned. Everyone appreciated my effort. Now that’s good karma. I hope others felt as good as I did after their talks were finished. I happily got lost in the presenters stories of their shared photos.

Thank you to everyone who showed images. I found that when each person shared their love of photography through their presentation, it was amazing and interesting. I wish I was the owner of many of the pieces shown! Thank you all for making my Christmas complete. Here are just a few highlight of the evening.

Mary Timpany © Susan Ruscetti

Mary Timpany’s image by photojournalist Fernando Soto that she purchased in Mexico of a grouping of male mannequin busts with a cat perched on one of the heads made me giggle and marvel at the surreal composition of the photo.

Neil Miller © Susan Ruscetti

Neil Miller shared a photograph of his photography instructor and mentor, Julius Sirilo, from his high school in Ohio. Neil gained from Julius’s teaching what went into taking a good photograph. On a photo outing to the circus, they went backstage to shoot the magic going on behind the scenes. This encouraged Neil to enter and win many photo competitions. The story behind Neil’s photo revealed a generosity from someone who made an impact on his life and career. How heartwarming.

Betty Drake © Susan Ruscetti

Betty Drake’s gelatin silver cactus was a find from Terry Etherton’s gallery in Tucson, a beautiful black and white print by Edward Weston. Just “Wow!”

Kathy Morgan © Susan Ruscetti

Kathy Morgan’s Mary Poppins book, a treasure she has had since she was a child growing up in Los Angles, was a wonderful treat. Kathy’s father worked on the sets of Hollywood’s movie industry and in the 1960’s he took her book to work one day and got Julie Andrews to sign it! Ms. Andrews also inserted an autographed black-and-white publicity photo of herself…a huge surprise to Kathy just recently when she opened the book again. Such an endearing gesture from her Dad. I personally loved Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins.

The variety, pride of ownership, humor, warmth and above all the fearlessness of the presenters as they described the meanings behind their choice of photograph made it a very special night of sharing. The experience made me want to make more photos of my own as well as visit photo galleries to save up and collect works of artists I admire. Who knows, I may have an intriguing find to share on the stage next year…sans the butterflies of speaking in public.