FINALE
TIM COOPER DOUG JOHNSON TONY RIZZUTO ELIZABETH STONE
February 6 - 28 2009
Gallery Saintonge is announcing its last and final exhibition, finale, featuring four of the Rocky Mountain School of Photography's long-standing, treasured instructors: Tim Cooper, Doug Johnson, Tony Rizzuto and Elizabeth Stone.
Tim Cooper has taught extensively with RMSP since 1994. He has been photographing the natural world for almost twenty years. His work is technically versatile and classical in nature. Doug Johnson has taught for RMSP since 1998. His work explores pattern, detail and the cycle of seasons in nature. Tony Rizzuto has taught for RMSP since 2001. Professionally, he photographs up-close, straightforward portraits; while in his personal work he applies similar sensibilities to flowers and nature. Teaching with RMSP since 1994, Elizabeth Stone has taught in every program area of the school. Her current work, shot on the Oregon coast with a Holga camera, reveals a sense of timelessness through a series of multiple images on one frame.
With this exhibit, we are announcing the closure of Gallery Saintonge and the emergence of the new face of RMSP. This exhibition will stand as a transition for what the gallery has been, while giving a glimpse of what is to come.
In 2002, Neil and Jeanne Chaput de Saintonge opened Gallery Saintonge. Having started Rocky Mountain School of Photography in 1989, the gallery was a natural extension of their beloved medium. Until now, they have existed as separate businesses, with somewhat different missions. Bringing the two entities together, the strengths of each are being celebrated.
The new Rocky Mountain School of Photography Gallery will mainly feature the work of RMSP instructors, with additional outstanding student and juried exhibitions. The gallery will serve as a gateway to RMSP. Having a street-front main entrance to the school will bring a greater, more accessible presence in the community, as well as the opportunity to share the range, breadth and quality of the instructors – the folks who make RMSP what it is. We want to recognize and support the work being done, in addition to the education we provide. It is important to us to maintain a face for the school that is fresh and current, while also rooted in the history and technical depths of photography as a medium.
Shows will hang for an approximately two-month period, and the new gallery will continue to remain open on First Fridays and be part of the downtown art walk. March will be a revamping time. And then in April, the new business model and appearance will take shape and come to life.
With all new seasons comes change, and with change comes new growth. We extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to a most supportive and inspiring community. Thank you. We look forward to embarking on this new journey with you.