Hello Dick,
As the current Photographica Show Manager, thank you for noticing that PHSNE is trying to get more educational segments back into Photographica. As you might recall, I offered the membership
four tables to display their collections for Show # 68. Two dealers and Eaton Lothrop took me up on this and offered displays throughout the show. The fourth table was used for about 1/5 of the show. This table included my postcard collection of historical images from American History, Lew R.'s display of Polaroid cameras as well as John W.'s collection of Speed Graflex cameras.
I also had a well known former Boston Globe photographer Ulrike Welsch give a slide lecture that was open to the public. Uil won the Pulitzer Prize with the Globe for their coverage of busing in the 1970's. She gave an outstanding lecture to about 15 people.
Sadly neither the event or tables were 100% successful. However, I will continue to add educational speakers and ask the membership to share their photographic passions with the public. There is a learning curve in doing this for everyone. I think I could have been clearer about what I wanted the members to do at the Discovery Tables. I am committed to offering more education and collecting segments to increase interest in PHSNE among our members as well as to recruit new members into PHSNE.
For Show #69 this May, I'm hoping to have James Bales from The Edgerton Center @ MIT stop by and burst some balloons while his equipment stops the action. I've also spoken to Jeff Klapes of Wakefield, MA's Lucius Beebe Public Library. Lucius Beebe was an avid train photographer and some of his images are in the library. The Library is about 1/4 mile away from where we now have the show. Naturally, every youth group in Wakefield as well as the Science Club at the Wakefield High School will be invited to this free event that takes place in a room just out side the show hall. The local media will also be alerted as well.
For future shows, I've looking for speakers (two have been recommended already) to speak to the public on what and how to collect photographic prints.
Stereo Boston has a standard offer for a free table for any Photographica event. Stereo is the one thing photographic that young people are not familiar with. I understand that Stereo is in the process of been "re-discovered" by camera, TV set as well as movie makers. Stereo is still "cool" even in the video game age.
I am open to other suggestions and ideas from the membership. However what I really need is their support. Putting on Photgraphica, even a greatly reduced in size Photographica, is a huge job. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, please let me know.
John Dockery
Photographica Show Manager and PHSNE member
