Have you given any thought lately to what APG means to you as a photographer? 

APG means different things to different members.  Some members limit their participation to entering one or two shows a year.  Others come to every critique and guest speaker event they can fit in their schedule.  Still others volunteer to gallery sit, so that they can share their love of photography with visitors both new and experienced.  Some do all of the above, and more.  Whatever level of involvement you choose, APG is here to serve and further your photographic interests, and has been for over twenty-five years.

But APG now finds itself at a critical financial juncture.  To operate at the level we do, and to maintain our beautiful gallery space, APG depends not only on the income from entry fees, membership dues, and print sales, but also--and critically--on the generous support of major benefactors.  Unfortunately, we have recently lost a portion of this major philanthropic support--support that has enabled us to function year after year.  The good news is that we have potential new major sponsors lined up.  But in order for them to consider us a viable recipient of their generosity, we must demonstrate that we have the commitment and support of our base membership (over and above membership dues and entry fees).  Thus we are launching our first major membership fundraising drive.  Our hope is that your generous giving will enable us to secure the new major sponsors we are currently in discussions with, and to get us a healthy distance ahead of the financial curve so that we will not have to make this plea with you again any time in the near future.

Why should you give (and give generously)?  Consider all of what APG brings to the Atlanta photography community:

  • Calls for Entry:  six to seven chances a year to get your work in the public eye (and maybe sell!), ranging from "shoe-in" shows (Pin-up, Photographer's Choice) to competitive jurored shows (Outside the Frame, Selects) to highly competitive, prestige shows (Airport, Portfolio)
  • Print purchase programs providing the chance to have your work acquired for inclusion in the collections of The High Museum of Art and MOCA GA
  • Juror and artist talks to supplement the major shows
  • Monthly critiques, led by acclaimed Atlanta photographer Chip Simone, helping photographers at every level up their game and develop their own identifiable body of work, so critical to getting into major shows and galleries
  • Monthly "Speaking of Photography" sessions, ranging from talks by prominent photographers, gallery owners and curators, to round-table discussions of hot topics in the photography world
  • Hosting critically acclaimed national touring exhibits (Unembedded, Bloodline
  • Periodic workshops, with topics ranging from mastering essential photographic software, to preparing an effective artist statement and resume
  • Volunteer opportunities, such as supporting the annual Atlanta Celebrates Photography Portfolio Review (giving you a chance to meet rising photographers and esteemed portfolio reviewers from all over the country)
  • Doing all of this out of our award-winning gallery, the most beautiful space devoted exclusively to photography in the entire Southeast

Now think about what Atlanta would be without the opportunities provided by APG.  Sure, there will always be photography clubs, but APG is so much more, devoted exclusively (and passionately) to promoting and supporting the ART of photography in ways that no other organization in Atlanta can or does.  And consider: nothing gets a photographer's blood stirring like finding a new call for entry.  Just think of the void there would be in the opportunities to exhibit your work without all the shows mounted by APG every year.  

So please, give serious consideration to how much you can afford to give to keep all of this alive.  Then ratchet it up a notch, and hit the Donate button.  You'll be glad you did.  APG will be glad you did.  And all your fellow APG photography friends will be glad you did.

Thanking you in advance for your generous support,


Edwin Robinson
Chairman of the Board
Atlanta Photography Group


 
 
Tula Art Center � 75 Bennett Street Space B-1� Atlanta, GA 30309 � 404-605-0605