New/Old Group Photography Show

The Belmont Gallery of Art presents the New/Old Group, a photography exhibit featuring the work of artists Elaine Fisher, Eric Myrvaagnes and A. David Wunsch, Jan. 25 through Feb, 24. The show’s opening reception takes place Friday, Jan. 25th, 6-8pm. Events are free and open to the public.

While each of the artists has exhibited widely and had individual shows during their individual artistic careers, this is the first time the three will be showing their work together—somewhat surprising, when one considers their connection to one another.

 Elaine Fisher, Eric Myrvaagnes and A. David Wunsch share a special bond that goes back 50 years when they first met as young photography students in a workshop taught by noted American photographer and MIT professor Minor White in 1966. White, a contemporary of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, embraced the creative idea that even the most mundane of subject matter could be elevated to art by the quality of light in which it was photographed. He had a strong influence on his students, says Fisher, and encouraged them to “find our way by quietly observing our individual truth,” she says.

And though the friends share this foundation as photographers, their styles and approaches are varied: Wunsch has continued working in black and white documenting place with a 4 X5 view camera; Fisher has worked in digital color photography for years, seeking emotional metaphor; while Myrvaagnes, also working in color, searches for how shape or form and quality of light evoke emotion. 

 As Fisher says, “we hope that an exhibition such as this one will show how fellow photographers can create a bond that allows them to encourage and educate each other.” She adds, “We also hope to live up to the group’s name – old friends, constantly creating anew.” 

 Since opening its doors in July 2005, the Belmont Gallery of Art has presented over fifty shows featuring the work of dozens of local and regional artists. It has offered a professional architecturally significant place for artists to display their work and visitors to view such work. The recipient of a Gold Star Award from the Mass Cultural Council, the BGA has been praised throughout the community for its support and promotion of the arts and culture in Belmont.

The Belmont Gallery of Art is located in the Town Hall Complex, 3rd floor of the Homer Bldg., 19 Moore St., Belmont Center. Hours for the New/Old Group show are Thurs., and Fri. 10-4 and Sun. 1-4. Please visit the Belmont Gallery of Art’s website at www.belmontgallery.org for more information. Wheelchair accessible.