PHAN Fans Enjoy Visions '10

Gallery-goers enjoyed the Saturday evening opening reception of "Visions '10" at Barnes Gallery, along with the October show featuring the Photo Artists' Network (PHAN). Seventy-five to 80 people had the opportunity to meet the talented photographers available to discuss their work.

With guitar accompaniment by Davy Mooney and John Coco, patrons enjoyed delicious catered hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

"It was a wonderful evening of photography," says gallery owner Greg Schnoor. "The PHAN is a gifted and talented group. It's been our pleasure to host them for the third year in a row."

Photographers come upon their passion for photography in different ways. Some start in childhood, some begin as adults, and some, like Linda Russo, come into it in an unexpected way. As a registered nurse, Russo was originally asked to do photo portraits of doctors performing surgery, for their personal use. One is reminded of Philadelphia artist Thomas Eakin's painting of a similar subject in "The Gross Clinic" from 1875.

From that unusual beginning, Russo's work evolved into her current montages with impressionistic Polaroid transfer photos, as seen in her "Boone Store Coffee Grind" and "Boone Store Spice Tins." With both, the old painterly, yet somewhat stylized look belies the work needed to complete the effect. The turquoise with complementary colors heightens the look. The photos were taken at Bodie State Park in California, where the gold mining ghost town from the 1870s has been preserved in "arrested decay," according to its website.

A more traditional photograph with a black and white look is "Ditch Plains" by Jan Altes. The mood is reminiscent of California surfers during the 1960s, especially with cliffs in the landscape. Surprisingly, this photo was taken in Montauk, "one of my favorite haunts," says Altes. "It was taken in 2009. I arrived at the beach, dropped everything, ran and managed to get three shots before the light changed and the people dispersed."

That's a photographer's passion – getting the great shot at the most inopportune moments. Sherman Wolfson's photo "Great Blue" taken in Florida was also one of those times that proved worth it.

There is a desire for the public to see their photography as well, after the photos have been printed and framed. Just ask Wolfson. Despite a bad fall on the sidewalk before the reception, Wolfson was determined not to disappoint his public and stayed for the show. He was animated in discussing his photos as well. 

Barbara Field's photos are also intriguing. Her antique-style subject in "Catskill Hangout" (not shown) is completed in Photoshop with the newest look in pen and ink mode.

Another great photo is John Siegel's "Boy in Window" taken in Honduras that reminds one of National Geographic. Siegel says, "My work tends to be more on the realistic side. You want to capture the beauty. I can't look through your eyes, but in a photo I can."

PHAN is a group of 11 photographers from the Town of North Hempstead area who enjoy the art of taking photos. It consists of Jan Altes, John Bruno, Barbara Field, Phyllis Goodfriend, Haig Hachadoorian, Monroe Halpern, John Micheals, George Novello, Linda Russo, John Siegel and Sherman Wolfson. For more information contact Altes at 917-592-8259.

The Barnes Gallery has been in business for 40 years, specializing in custom framing and matting of fine art. It is located at 2 Nassau Boulevard in Garden City South, on the corner of Cambridge Avenue. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo prices range from $100 to $285 each, framed. Call 516-538-4503 for more information.