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Historical Facts and Photos
Image made on January 23rd, 2011
What is PhotoZone?
Image made on January 23rd, 2011
L-R - Guy Weese, Walt O'Brien, Sandi O'Brien, Donna Gilhousen, Harry Houchins, Melissa Nolledo, Don Lown, Patrick Plaia, Chuck Draper, Herman Krieger, Ed Pabor, Birgitt Lyon, Charles Search, Bob Sanov, Bob Roelke and Michael T. Williams.
Photo by Deb Golob.
What is PhotoZone?
In June 1988, a group of eighteen photographers opened an exhibit in the old Midgley building on High street in Eugene, Oregon, and the PhotoZone Gallery was born. Of the new group's purpose, a reviewer wrote, "The primary requirement [for membership] is a dedication to photography as an expressive medium." For 15 years and 100-plus exhibits later, PhotoZone continued to provide a venue for fine photography in Eugene. The primary requirement was still dedication: in practical terms, this means not only a passion for photography, but a commitment to share in running the gallery and paying the rent.
PhotoZone Gallery - the physical space - later moved to the Lane Regional Arts-Central on W. Broadway, and lastly in the space with O'Brien Photo Enterprises on West 11th Ave until they moved in 2002. The group has continued without a venue until it shared space at the Oregon Arts Alliance for five months in 2011. The group is once again seeking a location to call home.
The group of photographers who call themselves PhotoZone Gallery currently number thirty-one.
The Group sponsors a juried show in July, which is open to anyone. Many photographic artists receive their first public exposure by entering PhotoZone's annual juried show.
PhotoZone members are as diverse as any collection of individuals - one is tempted to say unremarkable - save in their regard for the craft of photography. Elder practitioners who have mastered the the silver print process share gallery walls with alternate process enthusiasts and digital imagers. Hand-colored, airbrush, 3-D, collage, and mixed media work are all welcome here.
Susan Sontag has written that photography, by itself, is a medium, not an art. In this spirit, there is a sense of freedom of concept and expression at PhotoZone. Argue about everything, judge no one: no single view prevails.
"Our first gallery"
PhotoZone downstairs
NewZone and Lane Arts Council upstairs
Portrait Night on High Street
In front of our Gallery on West 11th
between 2000 and 2002
