newsletter - Spectrum Art Gallery

FOCUS
ART GALLERY
fine art photography
NEWSLETTER
May/June 2016
Jeffrey David Nicholas “Essence”
Vidya Narasimhan “Light and Landscape”
Mike Phillips “Now & Then”
Joan K. Sharma “Reflections”
May 5 - 29
June 2 - July 3
Vidya Narasimhan
Jeffrey David Nicholas
Flight of the Dogwoods
ArtHop/Artist Reception: Thursday, May 5, 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Friday Photography Live with Artists: Friday, March 13,
7:00 PM.
ArtHop/Artist Reception: Thursday, June 2nd, 5:00 to 8:00
PM.
Friday Photography Live Joan K. Sharma: Friday, June 3rd,
7:00 PM.
...Continued on page 2
Important Dates for May
Thursday, May 5 5:00 - 8:00 PM
ArtHop/Artist Reception - Jeffrey David Nicholas & Mike Phillips
Friday, May 13
7:00 PM
Friday Photography Live - Mike Phillips and Jeffrey David Nicholas
Monday, May 16 * Image and Idea Sharing
Important Dates for June
Thursday, June 2 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Arthop/Artist Reception - Vidya Narasimhan & Joan K. Sharma
Friday, June 3
7:00 pm
Friday Photography Live - Joan K. Sharma
Wednesday, June 15 6:00 pm
Monday, June 20
6:00 pm
Auction Committee Meeting
Auction Committee Meeting
Wednesday, may 25
...Continued on page 4
5:45 pm
* Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 18th
Canyon Light
5:45 pm
Wednesday, june 22
6:00 pm
* Board Meeting
6:00 pm
* Image and Idea Sharing
* These events are open to Active Members only. Other events are open to all.
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and
Jeffrey David Nicholas “Essence”
“Nothing is less real than realism. Details are confusing.
May 5 -29th
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
“Essence” represents the artist’s efforts to reveal something
of the inner spirit of his subjects. Working in both Black &
White and Color, the 11 new images in this exhibit utilize
a number of digital tools to look beyond just the surface
of the object, seeking to expose some inner quality not
normally seen in “straight” photographic representation.
It is only by selection, by elimination, by emphasis,
that we get at the real meaning of things.”
- Georgia O’Keeffe -
Jeffrey David Nicholas Burnt Lodgepoles
Jeffrey David Nicholas Jeffrey Pine, Sunset
The images, according to Nicholas:
“Are not about how many grains of sand are in a sand dune,
or how many leaves are on a tree, or how many blades of
grass are in a meadow...they are about revealing the inner,
hidden spirit, the “essence”, of the subjects.”
He offers these two quotes as being representative of his
approach to this body of work:
All the Archival Pigment Prints in the exhibit are printed on
100% Rag Watercolor Paper by the Paul Mullins Studio here
in Fresno and were over-matted using Crescent 100% Rag,
Acid- and Lignin-free Conservation Board.
ARTIST’S BIOGRAPHY
Nicholas has been pursuing the muse of photography for
more than four-and-a-half decades. He is the recipient of
numerous awards and has been collected, exhibited and
published regularly throughout his career.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance
of things,but their inward significance.”
- Aristotle -
Jeffrey David Nicholas Yucca and San Andres Mountains
Jeffrey David Nicholas Oak Leaf in Tawny Grasses
Self-taught (for the most part) he sites Edward and Brett
Weston, Aaron Siskind, Harry Callahan and (or course)
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Nicholas
Continued from Page 2
Ansel Adams as early Black & White influences and
Eliot Porter, Ernst Haas and Pete Turner as early Color
influences. More recent influences come from the world of
Expressionism: Milton Avery, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman,
Clyfford Still, Frank Stella, Marsden Hartley, and Georgia
O’Keeffe...to name just a few.
this was something I wanted to explore in depth.
I worked for several years doing portraits and weddings, and
while this helped hone my skills I soon discovered that my
true passion was in capturing the beauty and awe found in
nature. I took a day job in sales, and am the proud dad of four
amazing children. Throughout this amazing life journey I
continue to pursue adventure in nature through backpacking,
day hiking, kayaking, and car camping – more often than not
with my 8x10 view camera in tow.
Jeffrey David Nicholas Half Dome, Winter Morning
Although not a musician himself, the following have provided,
not only hours, but years of pleasure and inspiration: the
nocturnes of Chopin and John Fields; the impressionistic
compositions of Antonin Dvorak, Claude Debussy and
Camille Saint-Saens; the minimalism of Philip Glass, Brian
Eno, Harold Budd and Arvo Part and, of course, Miles Davis,
Dave Brubeck and Bill Evans.
Mike Phillips “Now & Then”
May 5 - 29
Mike Phillips
Mike Phillips
Coyote Gulch
Influences came from many of the masters like Ansel Adams,
Edward Weston and Oliver Gagliani. This is evident in the
bulk of my work, as many would classify it as the “West
Coast” style. There were instructor/artists like Steve Dzerigian
who still influence me to this day. I have a close knit group
of contemporaries that inspire me which includes Mike
Garcia a brilliant painter, Geoff Spach and Dave Hicks both
accomplished ceramic artists.
Lundy Canyon
After graduating from high school I hitchhiked from
California to Alaska and back. My older brother loaned me his
35mm Nikormat camera to document the trip. Armed with a
few rolls of black and white film I set off. I had absolutely no
clue what I was doing photographically but I did know that
Mike Phillips
Wall and Sand
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PhillipsContinued from Page 3
Vidya Narasimhan “Light and
Landscape”
June 2nd - July 3rd
Mike Phillips Canyon Wall Abstract
Now & Then - Is a combination of old and new images that I
have never printed. Some as much as 25 years old combined
with images as recent as 2016. Many of the images are from
various ongoing themed portfolio projects, such as The San
Joaquin River Project, Mono Lake and The Grand Staircase
Escalante Wilderness.
“Light and Landscape” is about photographing the interaction
of light with the landscape. I use light to convey my inner most
sense of connection and spirituality to our majestic landscapes.
From a technical standpoint I still only shoot with an
8x10 view camera and scan my film. Prints are output
digitally. The view camera requires oneself to be
deliberate and patient. Instant gratification is not part of
the equation. Getting into a rhythm with nature and your
surroundings is a key component of my process. I hope the
photographs convey the joy and excitement that I feel while
photographing.
Landscapes photographed in different conditions convey
different moods. For instance, photographs made under cloudy
skies results in a softer kind of an image. The mood may be
even more ethereal if it is accompanied by rain or mist. In
contrast, strong light on the canyons of the Southwest can
be used to showcase the dramatic landscapes. In addition to
using direct light on the landscape, reflected light can be used
showcase the subtle colors reflecting off the surfaces such as
Mike Phillips
Vidya Narasimhan Aspen Leaves & Snow
Rootball Redwood
Vidya Narasimhan Clearing Storm Three Brothers
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Narasimhan
Continued from Page 4
Joan K. Sharma “Reflections”
June 2 - July 3
Vidya Narasimhan Autumn Rhapsody
water, sandstone walls, etc.
This magical interplay between light and the landscape has
led me on an unending quest of the right light and the right
conditions to provide a window into my feelings when I make
the photograph. The ultimate manifestation of my art rests
in the creation of expressive prints. The prints are optimized
for color, contrast, sharpness, and saturation using techniques
similar to those employed in the traditional dark room to ensure
that the prints best reflect my artistic vision.
Artist Bio
Vidya is a landscape photographer based in the San Francisco
Bay Area. Even as a youngster growing up in urban India,
she was enamored by the photographs of grand landscapes
of the United States. When presented with the opportunity to
experience this grandeur, she felt an overwhelming desire to
showcase her unique impressions of the landscape.
Her first brush with Yosemite National Park and the rugged
coasts of Big Sur convinced her to move camera, tripod and
barrel to California in order to have unfettered access to these
spectacular landscapes. On subsequent trips to Yosemite
National Park, Vidya was captivated by prints from Ansel
Adams. These prints were able to capture an incredible amount
of detail, conveyed a variety of different moods, and seemed
to glow from within. This convinced her to learn the art of
transforming photographs into luminous prints. She has since
been mentored in the art of making prints by Charles Cramer,
John Sexton, and Anne Larsen.
In addition to displaying her work at Spectrum Gallery,
her photographs have been part of numerous museum and
gallery exhibits including Yosemite Renaissance XXVIII,
The G2 Gallery, Gallery House, Fresno Art Museum, Kellicut
International Photo Show, Carnegie Art Center, Viewpoint
Gallery, Pacific Art League, and Coastal Arts League.
Joan K. Sharma
Girl on Tightrope - Pushkar
“Reflections” includes a selection of images from my
recent travel to India and Bhutan. Some images appear to
be abstractions, while others lean toward a documentary
approach. Composition, color and design elements are
carefully considered as they relate to the subject matter.
Photography enables me to frame my experience and response
to these diverse and resonant cultures.
Travel, supports a fundamental shift away from habitual
patterns of thinking and towards heightened awareness.
Joan K. Sharma Pushkar Fair
Change in physical location and the limitation of time
contribute to a new way of experiencing and visually
responding to the environment. In the virtual studio and digital
darkroom, I work to optimize and fine tune images to match
my memory of a particular place and experience, time of day
and quality of light.
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SharmaContinued from Page 5
Joan K. Sharma
Joan is a painter and photographer. She relishes the interface
between these approaches and how it informs her creative
process and resulting images.
Recognizing and accepting these connections was
transformative. Joan has traveled widely throughout the
United States, Canada, Europe, India and Bhutan. A life long
fascination and deep respect for south Asian culture and
Joan K. Sharma
Young Monk - Bhutan
Bhutan and India. Her work has been widely exhibited and her
photographs and paintings are in private and public collections.
Joan K. Sharma Ganga Jali Vessel
philosophies inspired her to travel to India for the first time in
1989. Each subsequent trip to the same as well as new regions
of India has been unique.
Joan received her MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington
and BFA from Temple University, Tyler School of Art. Joan
moved to Fresno in 2003 to join the faculty in the Department
of Art and Design at Fresno State where she teaches color
theory, photography, 2D & 3D Design.
Joan co-directed two Fresno State study-tours to India in
2006-07 and 2010-11. During her recent sabbatical she visited
Joan K. Sharma Durga Puja Mohammed Ali Park
Joan K. Sharma Paradesi Synagogue Kochi Kerala
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Spectrum Information
A Note from the President
Spring has sprung and now is the time to catch renewed
life and vibrant colors! Speaking of renewals, our website
management, social media, and publicity have all joined
forces and are now collectively the Media Committee. It
is our hope that the new Media Committee will be able to
streamline processes and improve our presence on the web
and in the community. We have already seen the new and
improved e-announcements and a variety of content on
social media, but stayed tuned for future enhancements to the
website coming soon - Very exciting times!
In ensuring we are providing the right resources and
communication to our members, the Media Committee and
Education Committee will be sending out a survey to the
membership to see how we can best serve and support our
members. It is a very short survey, and I hope you will all
participate. This feedback is essential so we can see and
determine how we can improve. If you have any questions,
please refer to the invitation for the survey for instructions or
email the gallery at [email protected]
Lastly, we had a fantastic showing of our Guest Artist,
Charles Farmer. It is through your support as members and
through fundraising events like our annual auction that we
are able to bring renowned artists to our gallery. Thank you
for your continued support!
proud to serve as curator of Spectrum Art Gallery. It was to be
a temporary role for me as I had already served in this capacity
during the early years of our organization. This is a very
exciting time in the life of photography in central California.
From extremely limited recognition in the late 60’s and
early 70’s the fine art photograph in it’s many forms is now
recognized as an inseparable and omnipresent component of
our community’s art scene. With members common to Fresno
City College and CSUF photography programs Spectrum
continues to serve its mission as a forum for the medium. A
pivotal role is played by our curator, who must maintain fair
and impartial coordination of the following duties:
Curator Duties:
Exhibition calendar coordinator
Sends out contracts and information to all exhibitors
Sends updated exhibition calendar to Focus editors
Writes Curator’s Corner for the Focus newsletter
Also edits or creates necessary articles for the Guest Artist and Membership-wide Group Exhibitions
Coordinates Rotating Members’ Space
Serves as Chair of the Exhibition Committee
Exhibition Committee:
Curator’s Corner
Meets when necessary (usually quarterly)
I encourage all our newer members to get your 10 piece
portfolios ready to submit before our next exhibition
committee meeting to be held on May 17, 2016, so you may
participate in our many exhibition possibilities. Consult your
2015 Member Manual, page 12 for details.
Reviews portfolios
Members, you can look forward to submission details for
our 2016 Traveling Shows at Fresno City Hall (2 floors!) and
The Big Fresno Fair.
Is the umbrella committee under which fall other
exhibition venues such as our Rotating Member Space and
Traveling Shows
If you haven’t already, please collect your work from
previous exhibitions as soon as possible. We are running
out of space in the pick up shelves (the 2 on the far west
wall of the Archive room) and with that, increased possible
damage to your frames, etc. Even with the diligent care of
our installation team, some damage has occurred simply
by members searching through the large group of framed
exhibition prints. Everyone should be careful in handling and
prompt in their pick up of their own work.
I would like to hear from any interested members who would
like to become a curator in training for the next couple of
months. Since the passing of Terry Hayden, I have been
Decides on all exhibition issues such as Gallery
Standards, Guest Artist and any other special exhibitions, as
well as membership-wide group exhibitions
Reviews potential submissions for special projects
If you would like to be considered a candidate for this
position, please contact me at <[email protected]> or
Jesse Merrell<[email protected]>.
As always I look forward to seeing more of your work and
hope you will join us to support our Spectrum Art Gallery
Members and Guest Artists by celebrating with them at their
upcoming openings and events.
Respectfully,
Steve Dzerigian
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Spectrum Information
How To Photograph Your Own 2d
Artwork Workshop at
digital picture files that you’ve made (good or bad) of your own
artwork. Digital image files can be brought to class on a CD,
DVD, USB drive, or portable external hard drive.
Fresno Art Museum
Saturday, June 25th is a follow-up day addressing photography
or computer hurdles you’ve encountered since the first two
sessions. You should bring any camera or computer equipment,
or image files you have questions about. The instructor will be
ready to address your concerns and the studio will be ready for
more photography time.
June 4th, 5th & 25th from 9am to 4pm
Instructor: Randy Vaughn-Dotta
Class size limited to 12 students
Fee for all three sessions: $100
For questions about the class, please contact instructor directly
at [email protected]
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
I retired in 2011 after working for 27 years as the University
Photographer at California State University, Fresno. It was
very rewarding to work at the school where I had studied art
and journalism photography as an undergraduate student in the
early 1970s.
In this workshop you will learn (1) how to use your digital
camera to capture the best possible, most accurate rendition of
your own 2-D artwork at any time of the day or night, and (2)
how to use your computer and Adobe software to sort, process,
and archive the digital picture files you’ll create of your
artwork.
Instruction will include camera and lens settings, proper tripod
set-up, camera alignment to artwork, accurately setting up
artificial lights, mastering great exposures, computer software
processing, and archiving.
Multiple fully-equipped lighting stations will be available so
that every student will have ample practice time and access to
equipment. This is a hands-on workshop with the goal of each
student acquiring the ability to photograph their artwork and
process digital image files with confidence.
Saturday, June 4th will be devoted to learning and practicing
how best to photograph artwork. Bring your digital camera,
lenses, tripod, one 2-D art piece to photograph, and any other
gear you use for photographing your artwork.
Sunday, June 5th will be devoted to learning and practicing
computer image processing and archiving using Adobe Bridge
and Adobe Photoshop. Bring a laptop if you have one and any
During my career at Fresno State, I was responsible for creating
photographic teaching aids for faculty members from the 50+
departments in the seven Colleges that made up the university.
A significant part of my work included photographing student
art projects so professors could show future classes how
assignments had been creatively interpreted. Several years on
in my career, I initiated arrangements with professors in the
Art and Design departments to photograph all of the Masters
Degree exhibitions on campus as well as photographing all of
the graduation portfolios by the Interior Design students. Each
year I would typically photograph several thousand pieces of
artwork.
My career at Fresno State also spanned the turbulent years
when photography transitioned from film and chemicals to
digital. My workweek changed from spending hours every
day in the darkroom to spending endless hours mastering
computers, scanners, and printers and it changed from using
floodlights and flash bulbs to electronic strobe flash systems.
I’m looking forward to sharing with you the techniques I’ve
acquired over the years for properly photographing artwork.
Amazon Smile Program
Spectrum Art Gallery is now registered with the Amazon Smile
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Spectrum Information
Program to receive a donation of 0.5% of purchases made by
those who designate Spectrum Art Gallery as their charity of
choice on the Amazon site. Eligible and non-eligible purchases
will be combined for orders, so no worries about having to
separate them when ordering. It is very convenient!
Charles Farmer Show
Members will need to log in to: http://smile.amazon.com
and select their charity. They can search for “Spectrum Art
Gallery” and it will populate.
MOST IMPORTANT: Members MUST start their
shopping at http://smile.amazon.com in order for the
donation to work. If they simply go to “amazon.com,” they
will still be able to order, but Spectrum will NOT get any
donations.
This, combined with our Save Mart Shares program, is a
wonderful way to support the gallery in a manner that is totally
painless. Please make the effort to use these programs, as they
offer great potential to the financial health of your gallery.
Charles Farmer speaking about his work
Photo Courtesy of Mahin Alibabaei
SHARES Card
The Save Mart SHARES program has changed the way it
works. The old way only required that you to carry a SHARES
card when shopping at Save Mart, FoodMaxx or Lucky grocery
stores and to swipe that card during checkout.
Craig Beal, Charles Farmer, Steve Dzerigian
Photo Courtesy of Emily Redondo
The old cards are now obsolete. Now you must sign up for the
Shares program at:www.escrip.com/shares/.
For more details on how to register yourself as a participant and
to designate Spectrum Art Gallery as your intended recipient
please go on-line to: https://www.savemart.com/shares and read
the FAQ that you’ll find by scrolling down the page.
If you encounter any problems you can call a customer support
agent at 1-800-692-5710.
Charles Farmer
Photo Courtesy of Emily Redondo
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Spectrum Information
We Want Your Program for Friday
Photography Live
Spectrum is hosting the educational program series open
to the public
Who: Active members presenting. Open to the public - Admission free (donations encouraged)
When: Friday (1st one recommended), each month at
7 PM
Where: Spectrum Art Gallery
What: Lecture/Workshop Series
At least once a month Spectrum hosts a program open to the
public, led and administered by one or more of our members.
We encourage you to offer a program featuring your work or
topic of greatest interest to you. Below are some possibilities
(you are not limited to these):
1. Presentation on your photography
a. Walk through discussion of your exhibition on view
b. Projected image presentation
c. Presentation of prints or finished photographic artwork
d. Presentation of a project you are planning or already executing
2. Presentation on someone else’s photography you respect
(historical or contemporary)
3. Presentation on a style or genre of photography
4. A how-to presentation
a. Photographic capture technique or approach
b. Workshop / demonstration of a photographic process
c. Practical methods of preparing for exhibiting one’s work
d. Computer hardware or software presentation
e. Darkroom methods
5. Panel discussion
6. Member sponsored guest artist (no Gallery budget)
7. Spectrum invited guest artist (Gallery sponsored)
8. Field workshop
The gallery will provide water and cups plus access to our
fixed resources; however, any additional refreshments or
resources must be provided by the presenter.
To reserve a date for your program, please send your idea
to: Steve Dzerigian at: [email protected]. Any
questions - call Steve at: (559) 442-4868
Submitting Information for the Focus
Newsletter and Publicity
The deadline for submitting items for the July/August
issue of the Focus is July 10, 2016.
When you have a Spectrum exhibition coming up, please
e-mail your text in a Word document, including dates and
times for receptions, biography, inspiration for the show,
the show title, and any other pertinent information. Items
should be directed to:
Franka Gabler:
[email protected]
Travis Rockett:
[email protected]
Andrew Holden:
[email protected]
Emily Redondo:
[email protected]
Franka and Travis alternate as Focus co-editors. Andrew
will use the information to update Spectrum’s website and
social media. We will publicize your exhibit in various
other media.
Images must be 1200 pixels in the longest dimension.
Please include several horizontal and vertical images to
allow layout choices. File names must include your name
and the title of the image.
Image & Idea Sharing Night
When: WEDNESDAY, May 25 & June 22 at 6:00 PM
Where: Spectrum Art Gallery
Who:
All current, active members
What: Bring prints, thumb drive or CD to Spectrum
with no more than 10 images - jpg, tiff, or psd. The longest
dimension 1200 pixels. Name the file with your last name,
first initial, and title.
Eager for a discussion (on your terms) of your photographic
work or ideas concerning what to do with your work?
Please join us for a sharing of images and ideas at Spectrum
Gallery. Bring no more than 10 pieces (prints, digital
display, etc.) that you would like to discuss. Prints can
be anything from unmounted works in progress to work
ready to hang. Keep in mind the time allotted to you will
be established by dividing up 2 hours by the number of
members sharing their images.
If your work requires something more than what we
provide below, you must bring the necessary equipment
with you.
We supply: easel, tables, laptop computer, digital
projector, and screen.
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Upcoming Exhibitions
To schedule an exhibit you must be current with your
gallery dues and if you are a service member,
you have to have fulfilled your service.
Please contact Spectrum Gallery’s Curator,
Steve Dzerigian at: [email protected]
2016
Jeffrey David
Nicholas & Mike
Phillips
May 5 - May 29
Vidya Narasimhan &
Joan Sharma
June 2 - June 26
Richard Harrison &
Robert Cochran
July 2 - July 31
Alice Ramirez &
Mahin Alibabaei
August 4 - August 28
Pat Rhames &
Jonathan Rollins
September 1 - September 25
Auction Exhibition
September 29 - October 30
Paul Mullins
November 3 - November 27
December 1 - December 31
Melinda Downing
Sitting Schedule Hours
Contact Juergen Vespermann to sign up!
[email protected] or 431-0850
ArtHop Thursdays:
Fridays:
Saturdays and Sundays:
5:00 - 8:00 PM
5:00 - 8:00 PM
First Sitter 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Second Sitter 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Spectrum Art Gallery Board
2017
President:
Vice-President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Jesse Merrell
[email protected]
Linda Knight
[email protected]
David Meyer
[email protected]
Travis Rockett
[email protected]
Steve Dzerigian &
Sally Stallings
January 5 - January 29
Avigdar Adams & TBA
February 2 - February 26
“Women’s Work”
Invitational Group
Show
(Rogue)
March 2 - April 2
Helen Gigliotti &
Phyllis Irwin
April 6 - April 30
Rebecca Caraveo &
Zana Frownfelter
May 4 - May 28
Members at Large:
Dan Dunham
[email protected]
Franka Gabler
June 1 - July 2
Franka Gabler [email protected]
Mark Bosch &
Greg Hubbard
July 6 - July 30
Andrew Holden [email protected]
Neil Chowdhury &
Craig Beal
Lyssa Bird &
Richard Mann
August 3 - September 3
Linda Knight
[email protected]
Patrick Rhames
[email protected]
Robert Cochran
[email protected]
Auction Exhibition
October 5 - October 29
Guest Artists:
Donor Invitational
November 2 - December 3
Martin Nunez &
Juergen Verspermann
December 7 - December 31
September 7 - October 1
Spectrum Art Gallery
608 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno
In the Tower District
559-266-0691
Are you not receiving our e-mails? Please let us know!!
Thursday 12:30 – 5:00 PM, Fridays 12:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
www.spectrumphotogallery.org
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