Marlborough library to host photography show
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

Region - Preparation is underway for the 2008 Friends Annual Photography Show, sponsored by the Friends of the Marlborough Public Library and the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC). The show, which is held at the Marlborough library and is now in its 13th year, is accepting photography entries until Friday Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.

AVCC member Maureen Mathieson explained that entries are welcome from anyone interested in participating.

"The show is open for all levels, from the raw beginner to the master photographer, whether or not they belong to the club," she said.

In the past, the exhibit has featured between 70 and 100 photographs. This year's exhibition will open with a reception Monday Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., during which awards will be given for pictures in both black-and-white and color categories. The reception is open to the community and will feature an opportunity to view the exhibit, meet the photographers and enjoy refreshments, along with entertainment by pianist Elizabeth DeLucia.

Raymond Johnson, who has been the president of the Friends of the Marlborough Public Library for the past 36 years, said that every year a diverse range of photographs is submitted for the show.

The upcoming exhibit is one of several free annual programs sponsored by the Friends of Marlborough Public Library and open to anyone in the community.

"In the [Friends'] bylaws that were established in February of 1970, the mission was to add to the cultural life of the library specifically," Johnson said.

As the show has grown, Raymond said, the quality of photographs has improved.

"The Friends' programs are … continually growing …," Johnson said. "In our wildest dreams we would never have dreamed that the Friends' events would receive status with rivaling series. I am just amazed by the level of talent. It is a spectacular show. It goes beyond expectation."

The AVCC is responsible for bringing in the judges for the competition.

"The photographs are judged by a panel of three judges and we try to bring in diff erent judges each year … They often come from other photography clubs," Mathieson said.

In addition to being judged on the quality of the photograph, she said, the artist is also judged on presentation.

"Matting and framing can really detract from a picture," Mathieson said. "In other shows we have asked judges to just judge the photo, but it's hard not to notice a red mat that clashes with an orange

" sunset in a picture." All names are removed from the photographs during the judging process, and a large majority of the submitted photographs make it into the show.

According to Mathieson, submissions come from photographers at a variety of skill levels and beginners have won in years past.

"Go ahead and try," she said. "At the very least, you learn from the experience."

There is a $7 fee for entries and a two-photograph limit per photographer.

Gallery hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m.; Monday, Friday and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

For information on becoming a gallery guide or for registration forms, stop by the library, visit the AVCC website at www.avccphoto@ comcast.net or call the library at 508-624-6900. To RSVP for the opening reception, call Teresa Stefanaski at 508-485-4204.