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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent SPRINGFIELD The Valley Photo Center (VPC) will soon have a new home at Tower Square, resembling a more traditional gallery setting, according to Gene LaFord, director and curator. The new 2,300-square-foot space will be located on the second floor next to the food court, providing a smaller, more intimate atmosphere than the current cavernous setting on the first floor, added LaFord, who spoke with Reminder Publications. The move was initiated earlier this month by Trammell Crow Company who oversees Tower Square, since they landed a new tenant who has an aggressive timeline to open in the current VPC site. VPC volunteers have started to renovate their future home by rehabbing the walls and LaFord hopes to have all renovations complete by Christmas so the new gallery can open on schedule Jan. 2. The VPC officially closed Nov. 12 on the first floor. Since January of 2002, the VPC has provided a professional outlet for photographers to exhibit their work. In 2007, VPC board members have an ambitious goal of offering a series of workshops and classes for all ages, and have applied for a Springfield Cultural Council grant to help fund them. "This is something we wanted to happen for a while and we are determined to see it through," said LaFord. "We hope that this will grow into an opportunity to present workshops by leading nationally known photographers on interesting subjects." The VPC's first show in its new location will be "In the Eye of the Beholder" from Jan. 3-Feb. 2. The exhibition is based on people presenting their best work. Photographers interested in participating in the show should drop off their submissions by Dec. 23. Entry fees and numbers of photos allowed are still being determined because of the change in location. A large format photography exhibition follows from Feb. 14 to March 23, featuring works from the New England Large Format Photography Collective, a group of photographers who use large cameras. From April 4 to May 4, Springfield lawyer and photographer Matthew Harrison will present some of his fine art figure studies, and photographer Peter Schrager of Bridgeport, Conn., will show photographs from his N.Y.C. series. The last show of the spring season will be an open submission exhibit titled "Our Town," based on photographs of one's hometown, from May 23 to June 22. LaFord said the VPC offers exhibitions that are appropriate for all ages, adding the open submission shows are an opportunity for young photographers to get their photos up on a gallery wall. In addition, LaFord recently sent out informational packets to area schools encouraging the development of future programs for area youth. LaFord noted that the VPC is the only organization that exclusively presents photography in the lower Pioneer Valley. For area residents who haven't experienced the VPC, a new year and a new location should be on everyone's new year's resolution list. "We are working to become a photographic resource center for this end of the state," he added. LaFord is joined on the board by Dave Mavlouganes, president and treasurer; Jaclyn Stevenson, assistant director and editor of Portfolio magazine, and Chris Marion, assistant director and webmaster of www.valleyphotocenter.com. Area residents interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the "Help the VPC Move Fund" should direct checks in any amount to the Valley Photo Center, "Help the VPC Move Fund," 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01115. Funds will be used specifically to ready the space in time for the January showing, according to LaFord. At press time, LaFord noted that a large enough volunteer base will help in keeping costs down during the renovation process which will also include taking down mirrored walls and painting. Area residents who would like more information about the VPC can contact LaFord via e-mail at gene@valleyphotocenter.com. |