WELCOME!
to the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania
The next PASNWPA Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm via Zoom. A Zoom invitation will be sent prior to the meeting.
The next General Membership meeting will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm at Full Circle Winery located in Girard at 12 Main Street E. PASNWPA member Fred Fiedler will give a presentation on framing your artwork. He will provide some very practical and useful information, especially for those who do their own framing.
NPAA 50th Anniversary
PASNWPA member Greg Zbach, who is the president of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Artists Association (NPAA), is announcing a celebration of the 50th year anniversary of the NPAA with a special exhibit at Mercyhurst University Cummings Gallery.
The NPAA will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition at Mercyhurst University’s Cummings Art Gallery from October 15, 2024 to January 17, 2025. The exhibition will highlight the evolution of NPAA and its vital role in promoting the visual arts across the tri-county area.
Good luck to Greg and all the artists in the show!
Pennsylvania Magazine
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Jim Steadman whose image was selected for the cover of the September/October issue of Pennsylvania Magazine. The theme for submissions was “Overviews and Vistas.”
This was one of several drone images that Jim had submitted.
Keystone Salon of Photography
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Sandra Rothenberg who won two awards in the 2024 Keystone Salon of Photography. She was awarded 1st Place in the “Nature” category for her photo titled “Elk Sparring” and 3rd Place in “Open Color” for her image titled “Mushrooms.”
PASNWPA member Patti Larson won an Honorable Mention for her image titled “Fishing for Salmon," also in the Nature Category.
This is the first year for this competition among ten photo organizations in western PA. There were 671 entries in six different categories.
Congratulations to both Sandra and Patti!
The Erie Art Museum is hosting its first session of "The Photo Forum" on Saturday, October 19, 2024. You can learn about photography groups and resources in the Erie area and also buy or sell equipment. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow photographers from the Erie Photography Club, the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania (PASNWPA), CAMErie, as well as the Erie County Public Library’s Idea Lab.
Admission is free.
We had a great turnout for the opening reception for our show "Seasonal Expressions" at Schuster Gallery at Gannon University. The show celebrated the ever-changing beauty of the region through a collection of vivid images showcasing the distinct moods and landscapes of each season.
Special thanks to Lori Steadman, Director of Schuster Gallery, for the great job she did in organizing the event and hanging each of the photos in the show in such a way as to create a cohesive exhibit that flowed smoothly from one photo to the next.
The show continues through November 1.
Darla Graff
PASNWPA member Darla Graff passed away on September 10, 2024.
Darla was a very talented and gifted photographer whose love of nature could be seen in all of the photos that she captured. Her work could be seen on Facebook and Instagram and her photographs were frequently featured at local galleries, including Glass Growers Gallery and the Presque Isle Gallery and Gift at the Tom Ridge Center.
Her enthusiasm for photography was evidenced by the smile on her face as she could be seen doing what she loved most at Presque Isle and throughout the area.
She will truly be missed!
Artificial Intelligence in Photography
Read the PASNWPA Guideline here.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
"Ideas of Change" - 10/20 Collective
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Dorothy Kloss, who was invited to be part of the very prestigious artist group, “Barracuda.” She is the only photographer in this group of esteemed artists.
The artwork of this talented group of artists will be featured in a show at 10|20 Collective titled "Ideas of Change." The opening reception is planned for Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
One of Dorothy's works of art (shown here) that will be featured in the show is titled "Hear My Voice and Listen to My Cry."
The show will continue through October 12, 2024.
Location: 1020 Holland St, Erie, PA 16501.
"A World of Wonder - My Photographic Journey!"
A photography exhibit by PASNWPA President Patti Larsen.
"Overviews and Vistas"
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Mary Kay Talarico! Her photo was awarded an Honorable Mention in the September/October issue of Pennsylvania Magazine in the "Overviews and Vistas" division. This is a view of an approaching storm at Presque Isle that she captured in October 2023.
“Photography” - Erie County Fair
PASNWPA member Brandon Borgia won two first place awards in “Photography” at the Erie County Fair in Wattsburg, PA in August 2024.
One award was in the Black and White category and the other in Landscape.
Congratulations, Brandon!
PASNWPA member outing to the Lake Shore Railway Museum in North East
“A PHOTOGRAPHIC TRIBUTE TO WINGS OVER WATER”
PREVIOUSLY…
Greg Zbach at Glass Growers Gallery
PASNWPA member Greg Zbach is one of the artists featured at Glass Growers Gallery for their "Celebrating 50 Years" exhibit. They will be featuring many of the artists who have displayed their works at Glass Growers Gallery over the years as they celebrate this significant milestone. Read more…
Congratulations to Greg and Glass Growers Gallery!
Opening reception: Saturday, May 4, 2024
Exhibit runs until Saturday, June 8, 2024.
Photo Workshop
Registration is now open for the full-day photography workshop, "IMAGERY TO ARTISTRY - Illuminate, Create and Get Inspired!" hosted by the Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania (PASNWPA).
Doug Hansgate, an internationally acclaimed photographer, will be leading the workshop on May 18, 2024 from 9 am - 4 pm.
Click here for more information on the workshop.
Erie Art Museum Spring Show
PASNWPA member GREG ZBACH’s work titled “Knickknacks and Notes” was accepted into the 101st Erie Art Museum’s annual Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show. The show includes 75 works by 69 artists.
The show will run from March 15 - August 9, 2024.
Women's Show at the Ashtabula Art Center
PASNWPA members Kathy Welte and Patti Larson had artwork accepted into the juried 2024 Women's Show at the Ashtabula Art Center. The show in Ashtabula, Ohio continues through the end of the month.
Alex Cohen, Darla Graff and Patti Larson will be participating in the Holiday Open House at Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 5 pm - 9 pm.
The Open House will feature the works of over 40 local artists. There will be live music, snacks, and local libations and the event is FREE and open to the public.
Last year's Open House event saw a record number of attendees. The money raised helps to raise funds for the important work of the TREC Foundation. Don't miss this event!
Fred Fiedler at GGG
The photographic work of PASNWPA member Fred Fiedler will be featured at the Glass Growers Gallery Holiday Show. The show started on November 15 and will continue through January 15, 2024.
The show will be open on Gallery Night with a holiday party on Friday, December 15 from 5 pm -10 pm.
You can see all of his artwork in the show on the Artists Page of the Glass Growers Gallery website: https://glassgrowersgallery.com/collect.../frederick-fiedler
Congrats to Greg Zbach!
Congratulations to PASNWPA and NPAA member Greg Zbach, whose digital art work has been accepted into the NPAA's 8th juried biennial! The digital artwork piece is titled "Elan vital." This is the first digital art piece that Greg has had accepted into a juried show.
The show officially opens on November 15 with a reception and awards on Thursday, November 16 from 5-7 pm at the Erie Art Museum's historic Customs House. The show continues through March 16, 2024.
Congratulations, Greg!
North East Arts Council
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Rebecca Samler for her first place award in the North East Arts Council photo contest. Her photo, "The Rooster Strut," took first place in the category of "Animals."
The opening reception for our show titled “Down on the Farm” at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby, Ohio on Friday, August 11 was a huge success!
For more photos, click here.
Stella’s Art Gallery Photography Only Show
Congratulations to PASNWPA members Alex Cohen and Patti Larson who won awards in the Stella's Art Gallery "Photography Only" art show.
Alex won two awards: 2nd place in the Architecture Category with "Bicentennial Tower" and 3rd place in Portraits with "Squirrel Kids."
Patti won two awards: 3rd place in Wildlife with "Coastal Brown Bear" and 3rd place in Architecture with "Chili Pepper Welcome."
Art Inspired by Northeast Ohio
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Alex Cohen who won 1st place in the 7th annual Art Inspired by Northeast Ohio competition at Stella’s Art Gallery in Willoughby, Ohio.
His photo is titled “Trippy Terminal Tower.”
Congratulations to Mary Kay!
PASNWPA member Mary Kay Talerico was selected as a finalist in the Charleston Magazine annual photo contest for her photo titled "Street Musician."
Several PASNWPA members traveled to Ohio for a photo outing on Saturday, July 15, 2023. First stop was the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse where the Lighthouse Keeper gave a tour of this wonderfully restored historical lighthouse. What an amazing job she has done in keeping the historic look and feel while updating its interior! Special thanks to Sheila.
The second stop was the Madison Seminary, a historic building in Madison, Ohio. Currently in private ownership, it previously functioned as a school, hospital, and as housing for the families of those killed in the American Civil War. It currently has notoriety as one of the most supposedly haunted places in Ohio. We didn't see any ghosts but who knows what happens at night!
See more photos…
Audubon Photography Awards 2023
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Sandra Rothenberg who won an award in the 2023 Audubon Photography Contest for Best Female Bird - a Baltimore Oriole.
Sandra also received an Honorable Mention award in the Pennsylvania Magazine 2023 in the Feathered Friends category published in the July/August edition.
Well-deserved awards for these splendid photographs! CONGRATULATIONS!
For the story behind the Baltimore Oriole shot, read here.
“ICM: Beyond the Initial Hand Shake”
PASNWPA member Ellen Anon is one of the featured photographers who will be speaking at Jackie Kramer’s Photography Online 2023 on Friday, June 23, 2023. Read more…
Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
PASNWPA member Alex Cohen received two awards for his floral photography from the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center at their 36th Annual Amateur Photo Contest. His photo, "Dandelion Bloom," was awarded First Place in Floral and his photo, "Tree Blossom," received an honorable mention in Black & White.
Congratulations to Alex!
Artist of the Month
PASNWPA President, Patti Larson, was featured as the Artist of the Month in the April edition of the Tri-State Senior News publication. Her work will be featured in the upcoming Independent Council on Aging (ICA), Inc. spring show, in the "ICA Art of Aging" gallery hosted by Traditions Unlimited.
A Call for Artists
ROBERTSON KITCHENS
2630 West 12th Street, Erie PA 16505
Calling all artists. For our third Gallery Night (June 24, 2023), we want to offer smaller scaled artwork that would sell for under $100. Our theme will be “100 for under $100” Everyone loves large scale artwork. It becomes the focal point of a space. Not everyone has the room to accommodate larger scaled artwork. We want to offer affordable original artwork, so everyone can become an art collector.
Click here for the entry form.
Contact Debbie Davis at 814-833-7287 for more information.
Basic Photography Workshop
PASNWPA members Fred Fiedler and Patti Larson are offering a Basic Photography Workshop on May 13 and May 27, 2023. The workshop covers the concepts of using a digital (DSLR) or mirrorless camera, changing lenses, and choosing optimal camera settings to obtain the correct exposure. The workshop also includes the fundamentals of composition, digital file formats, and storage and handling of images and introduces the student to post-processing and enhancement of images. There will be plenty of hands-on practice time and the final session will include an evaluation and critique of images captured by each of the participants.
There are two five-hour sessions (10 hours of instruction) on Saturday, May 13 and Saturday, May 27 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 1070 Dutch Rd, Fairview, PA 16415.
The cost is $125 (includes continental breakfast and snacks).
To register for the class, please click on this link: https://www.pattilarsonphotos.com/-/galleries/workshops
by PASNWPA member Greg Zbach
City Gallery
May 2023
The "Dual Worlds" exhibition is a combination of Greg Zbach’s two experimental art styles. The first five works are examples of his more established approach, Photographic Modifications. Photo mods start with a photograph and are manipulated with digital effects and other processes. He has been creating and exhibiting photo mods for close to 25 years now.
The second set of works are from his newest endeavor, the “Surrealectric” series. Works were created solely on a computer using the exciting field of mathematical art. These creations fall into the category of new media art and are on the leading edge of the digital art genre.
This exhibit will give the viewer a sense of the evolution of Zbach’s creative process as he continues to explore new avenues of art.
PASNWPA members Fred Fiedler, Patti Larson, Patty Raydo, Bob Raydo, Rebecca Samler, Monica Schwegman, Anna Marie Senita and Kathy Welte have artwork in The Jay & Mona Kang Art Show at the Barber National Institute. Their photography can be viewed in the Adult Photography gallery.
PASNWPA Member PATTI LARSON is one of the women artists featured in the "Women Love the Arts" exhibit at Schuster Gallery. The reception is this Friday, March 31 from 5-7 pm, Gallery Night in Erie, PA. The show is a celebration of Women's History Month and includes eleven artists from local and regional areas.
The show runs through April 14, Tuesday through Friday, 11 am - 4 pm at the Schuster Gallery, located at 700 Peach St., Erie, PA.
PASNWPA Member ALEX COHEN will be a featured artist at The April Fool’s Artist Event at the Willoughby Workspaces in Willoughby OH.
April 1, 2023
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Willoughby Workspaces at The Charlton Abbott
37903 Euclid Ave, Willoughby OH
This exhibit is being hosted by the Raymond M. Blasco Memorial Library, the main branch of the Erie County Public Library System, from March 4 through March 31, 2023.
Photos from the opening reception of “It’s Wild Out There!” hosted on March 11, 2023: Click here.
Live interview about the show “It’s Wild Out There!” with PASNWPA President Patti Larson and Amanda Post and Kara Coleman of Erie News Now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKFtnQhJOyw
Erie News Now post show chat with Patti Larson & Fred Fiedler from Photographic Arts Society of NWPA:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=3520483031568809
Jet 24 Action News: Blasco Memorial Library adds wild new exhibit.
The Basic Photography Class was held at the Erie Art Museum and taught by PASNWPA members Patti Larson, Patty Raydo, Fred Fiedler and Melinda Isachsen.
PASNWPA Member JOHN MISTEROVICH is one of the featured artists at the 2022 holiday show at Glass Growers Gallery.
The party starts on gallery night, Friday, December 16, 2022, from 7 - 10 pm. The gallery is filled to the brim with gorgeous artwork!
Be sure to stop in and check it out!!
On Sunday December 18, 2022, from 12-4 pm, Traditions Unlimited will be hosting the Holiday Art Show in the ICA Art of Aging gallery sponsored by UPMC for Life. This is a holiday event you won’t want to miss!
PASNWPA member KATHY WELTE has artwork featured in the show.
#traditions #homedecor #interiordesign #accessories #erie #shopsmall
PASNWPA member GREG ZBACH has artwork in this NPAA Holiday Art Show at City Gallery, December 9, 2022 - January 13, 2023.
PASNWPA member ALEX COHEN will be featured in two upcoming art shows. The first is the Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts Open House on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 5 - 10 pm at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the Erie Peninsula.
The next exhibit will be at V Gallery at the Village West Shopping Plaza starting on December 16 (Gallery Night) through Sunday, December 18, 2022.
The artwork on display includes Alex's photography, candles, gifts, antiques, paintings, and other art.
The Photographic Arts Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania (PASNWPA) recently published its first photo book, "An Artistic View of Northwestern Pennsylvania." The photos in the book were captured by the many talented members of the PASNWPA. Each member offered their unique perspectives on the beauty found right here in our region. Each member also provided an artist statement and brief descriptions of their photos.
The book design and page layouts were done by PASNWPA member MELINDA ISACHSEN using Blurb’s BookWright self-publishing software.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please contact Melinda Isachsen or Patti Larsen and we can place another order. They would make great Christmas presents for anyone who shares our love of northwestern PA!
PASNWPA member Fred Fiedler’s photograph of Dobbin’s Landing was used for a new line of coffee sold by Glass Growers Gallery.
Several PASNWPA members have works on display at the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) Senior Art Show at Traditions Unlimited. The ICA Art of Aging Gallery is located at 16-8 West 8th St, Erie PA. The Fall show opened on October 19 and runs through the end of the year.
On display is artwork by PASNWPA members Christine French, Rodney Spencer, Mary Kay Talarico, Kathy Welte and Patti Larson.
Join the Glass Growers Gallery staff and patrons for a book signing event where you can meet the author, John Corrigan, co-author, Abby Weech, illustrator, Alexandria Tackett, and PASNWPA member and cover photographer artist Patti Larson.
Read more about the book here.
Intricate digital dreamscapes for the 21st century by PASNWPA member Greg Zbach, October 14 - November 15, 2022. Click here for details.
“The Mighty Pen” by Greg Zbach
“Squared Roots” by Greg Zbach
PASNWPA member Christine French will have an art show at the Grape Discover Center, October 27 - 29, 2002. Click here for details.
“Loominous”
“Loominous” by PASNWPA member Greg Zbach was accepted into the 99th annual Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show juried by Jessica Hong, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Toledo Museum of Art. 212 artists entered over 450 works. The exhibition includes 76 artists and 79 works. Greg’s work has now been juried into five Spring shows. The show will be up from April 8 - August 5, 2022.
The 2022 ICA Art of Aging Show
CONGRATULATIONS! to the PASNWPA members who were honored with awards at the 2022 Independent Council on Aging (ICA) Art of Aging Show hosted at Traditions Unlimited on May 10, 2022.
Read the Press Release for our show at Robertson’s Kitchens.
April 29 - May 27, 2022
Guidelines for Signing Your Fine Art Prints
There are many different opinions about signing your photography.
Click the title above to read a summary of signing options.
PASNWPA would like to extend a warm WELCOME to our newest member Fred Fiedler. We look forward to creating fine photographic art with you and sharing our work with the community through exhibitions and educational opportunities.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to PASNWPA member Liam Vitanyi III, who received several awards for his beautiful photography in the recent photo contest sponsored by the North East Arts Council.
Liam received a first place award for his striking black and white image. He also received second and third place awards for two other images.
You can see more information about the North East Arts Council contest winners and their images on Facebook.
CONGRATULATIONS!
PASNWPA member Ric Gilson’s image "Namaste" was selected as a finalist in the Audubon Community Center's 2021 Nature Photography Contest. The contest had two divisions, Adult and Youth, with three categories: Fauna, Flora, and Landscape/Waterscape. Entries were received from 30 states and 17 countries! You can view all of the winning entries in each category as well as the adult and youth finalist at this link: https://www.acncphotocontest.com/2021winners.html
Congratulations, Ric!
CONGRATULATIONS!
The following PASNWPA members received awards for their artwork submitted to the Senior Art Show at Traditions Unlimited sponsored by the Independent Council On Aging-Erie, PA and UPMC Health Plan:
“Artic Tern Reflection” by Patti Larson
Patti Larson’s image, "Arctic Tern Reflection" was awarded first place in the Wildlife category in Photographers' Journey 2021 - a juried art show sponsored by Image City Photography Gallery in Rochester, New York.
Image City Photography Gallery is located in the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts, an area that offers a high concentration of visual and performing arts and is often referred to as the "Image City of the World." It is an impressive gallery totally dedicated to photography.
CONGRATULATIONS, Patti!
Click here to see the Winning Photographs of the Exhibit.
We are pleased to announce the opening of the new PASNWPA Online Store, selling the fine art photography of our members. Click the image to have a look and fill your shopping cart with some beautiful works of art.
PASNWPA would like to extend a huge WELCOME to our newest members Joe Bailey, Darla Graff, and Dorothy Kloss. We look forward to creating fine photographic art with you and sharing our work with the community through exhibitions and educational opportunities.
Glass Growers Gallery is exhibiting a show entitled Branching Out, featuring Laura Gooley, Hiromi Katayama, Jason Floyd Lewis, Eddie Mitchell, Dennis Revitzky, and Greg Zbach. Each artist showcases their curated and nature-inspired collections. Greg Zbach is a member of PASNWPA.
Creating Your Artist Bio & Statement
Your Artist Bio and Statement can be difficult to write,
but they help others gain a deeper understanding of you and your photography.
Click the title above to view a presentation explaining the difference between these two documents.
Due to Covid-19, PASNWPA has not been able to host in-person gallery shows since March 2020, but you can still visit our virtual show titled “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” by clicking the image below. All pieces are for sale directly from the gallery. (The show dates were October 1 - December 31, 2020, but we have left the gallery open for continued viewing.)
CONGRATULATIONS! to all members who had work in the Barber National Institute Jay & Mona Kang 2020 Art Show & Sale: Christine French, Bill Joslin, Patti Larson, Kathy Maloney, John Misterovich, Becky Samler, Anna Marie Senita and Kathy Welte.
PASNWPA Member Show “Beauty Unbound” at the Octagon Gallery of the Patterson Library in Westfield NY, February 21, 2020
Click to see more photos from the Opening Reception
Candy Felege (left) at the Octagon Gallery with her sold image “Lily.”
CONGRATULATIONS on your sale!
PASNWPA would like to extend a huge WELCOME to our newest members: Ellen Anon, Alex Cohen, Mariza Formaggini and Susie Hosterman. We look forward to creating fine photographic art with you and sharing our work with the community through exhibitions and educational opportunities.
CONGRATULATIONS, Greg Zbach!
Two of Greg Zbach’s works were accepted into the Northwestern Pennsylvania Artists Association juried member exhibition to be held at Crary Art Gallery in Warren, Pa. from February 1st thru the 29th, 2020. There were 121 works entered by 48 artists. The show includes 27 works by 19 artists. The juror, Paula Burleigh, teaches Art History at Allegheny College, and serves as director of the Allegheny College Art Galleries. She earned her PhD from the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, NY, while serving as a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Also in New York, Burleigh taught adult education courses at the Museum of Modern Art. Burleigh's writing has appeared in the Brooklyn Rail, Artforum.com, Stedelijk Studies and Art Journal.
To order clothing and other items with the PASNWPA logo,
log in to the Members page where you will find ordering instructions.
GOOD LUCK, Zach Lafaro!
PASNWPA awarded their first $1,000 scholarship to Zach Lafaro, a graduate of Fairview High School, who will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall. Scholarship applicants were required to submit an essay, a portfolio representative of their photographic work, a transcript and a reference letter.
Pictured (L-R): Anna Marie Senita, Director; Melinda Isachsen, Vice President; Zach Lafaro, Scholarship Recipent; Patti Larson, President; and Candy Felege, Treasurer.
CONGRATULATIONS!
PASNWPA Members Greg Zbach, Rebecca Samler, and Christine French each had two images accepted into the juried art show titled “In the Garden” at Stonewall Art Studio/Gallery at Campbell Pottery Store in Cambridge Springs. Opening Reception is Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 1 to 3 and the show continues through July 21st. Stonewall Gallery is located at 25579 Plank Road, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403. 814-734-8800.
This is Greg Zbach’s 16th year in a row to be juried into this prestigious show! Well done and well deserved!
The Diane Peyton-Majumdar Trophy for 1st Place in the Digital Wildlife Division was awarded to Patti Larson during the CanAm Photo Expo on April 27, 2019. Patti also received 1st Place in the Color Print Division and Honor Awards in the Color Print Division, Digital Pictorial and Digital Nature Division.
“Cello Bits”
by Greg Zbach
1st Place
The Essence of Art: Pattern & Color
Stonewall Gallery, Campbell Pottery
“The Prophet’s House”
by Kathy Welte
HONORABLE MENTION
The Essence of Art: Pattern & Color
Stonewall Gallery, Campbell Pottery
“Oh, So Cold”
by Kathy Welte
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Meadville Council on the Arts
Heeschen Gallery