By ROBIN STANTON GERROW
BG Independent News
With subjects ranging from self-portraits to exotic locales, the Bowling Green Art Council’s (BGAC) third annual “Perspective: Photographers of NW Ohio” exhibition opened Saturday.
The exhibit will be on display through April 3 at the BGAC ArtSpace, 178 S. Main Street, behind Coyote Beads and Jewelry.
The Best of Show juried award went to Kelly Chalfant of Perrysburg for “Centered.” Last year, Chalfant won the People’s Choice Award.
“The Naples Pier has always been one of my favorite subjects,” Chalfant said. “It suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The pier has now been torn down to make way for its replacement. That photo will forever preserve the pier as it was for decades. I am thrilled that the image resonated with the jury. To have it selected as the Best of Show winner, among so many talented artists, is incredibly meaningful.”
This year, Alex Hann of Bowling Green received the People’s Choice Award for his piece titled “Hide and Seek” of a bison in Kentucky.
“I’m just getting into sharing my photography and really just trying to figure out which direction I’m going to go with it,” he said. “I’m local and the Arts Council is supporting us, so I’m going to support them.”
As a regular entrant to the show, photographer Gary Leung said he appreciates having a chance to display his work outside of one-day events.
“There’s not a lot of places, at least for me anyway, to display my photography,” Leung said. “I participate in some art shows, but there’s no guarantee they will accept my application. And this is more of a chance for me to showcase my work to the local art community without the pressure and the stress of setting up for an outdoor show.”
Louis Staeble’s photographs have been featured in magazines and galleries around the country, but he said he still looks forward to this event.
“I want to do something local, and this is an ideal place to do it,” Staeble said. “I’ve got a lot of friends in town, and it’s my way of showing them what’s new. And this is nice because it’s not that cheeky kind of a gallery. This is laid back.”
Other photographers with work on display are Richard W. Davis, Matthew Donahue, Bella Karlovec, Natalie Karlovec, and Katie Schetter.
“It’s a small show, but it’s a really great show,” said Mary Dennis, president of the BGAC. “The work is amazing, and I’m thrilled. So many great pieces, and I just love that we’re able to keep this photography show going.”
Chris and Jean Geist braved the elements to attend the opening reception to lend support to the arts.
“I love photography, and this is one of the few dedicated photo exhibits in town,” he said. “We like to support the Arts Council, and it is always important to get to the openings when we can.”
