The Paula Tognarelli Collection
April 5 - May 25, 2024
3 Collectors and 2 Artists: Friday, April 19, 5-8 pm
Next talk: Friday, May 17, 5-8pm
Personal art collections are always a form of self portraiture and our new exhibition, The Paula Tognarelli collection is no exception. It’s prodigious; about wonder, wit, moments, connections to individual artists, and they all have a romantic perspective or in context, the romanticism of the collector shines through. The images also speak about the process of making art and the breadth or modes of expression in contemporary photography. The viewer will notice that there is an optimism throughout the compilation that makes spending time with these photographs delightful. It speaks to Tognarelli’s heart and eye. We appreciate the opportunity to share our investigations into collectors and collections with you. – Denise Froehlich, Director of MMPA
Asia Kepka, Irene Klench, 2016, Aluminum print, 23.5 x 36 inches, Purchased at the Griffin Museum
Irene Klench (Paula Tognarelli) in car, (image by Asia Kepka) and Lynn Dowling from the book, Horace and Agnes: A Love Story
IRENE KLENCH
Peering over her steering wheel, Irene Klench surveys the neighborhood. “Ohh, Mr. Freeman, you shouldn’t be watering your lawn during the shortage,” she says to herself as she jots down the infraction in her little black book. Irene heads out early in the mornings with a thermos full of Chock full o’Nuts and an old pair of binoculars. There is no stopping Irene when she’s on her fifth cup. Once she tried to make a citizen’s arrest on Horace when he was crossing the street. “It’s called jaywalking!” Irene shouts from her car window. “It’s called a crosswalk, Ms. Klench!” Horace shouts back as he hurries across the street. “Oh, sorry, Horace,” Irene says, slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t recognize you in your new jacket. I will call and get this crosswalk freshly painted tomorrow. It’s barely visible,” she admits before lurching off in her old car. Irene takes the neighborhood watch very seriously. Nobody is above the law. Not even her. (The story of Horace and Agnes (and their friends) is a story about unconditional love, life, acceptance, and friendship.)
Horace and Agnes: A love story
iPhone Camera for Photographers, A workshop with Tillman Crane
The modern iPhone is an incredible piece of technology. It is called the iPhone, but it could and perhaps should be called the iCamera. Most photographers own one, but few understand its full capabilities. During this two part/one day workshop we will unlock the potential found in this camera. What goes on between your ears is more important than what is in your hands. And you (almost) always have your iPhone with you. This class will help you put the two together.
May 5/ Sunday 10:00- 3:00
Fee: $250. each. Tillman is generously donating the proceeds of this course to MMPA!
This one day workshop is open to 15 students.
10:00 - 12:00 class
(BYOB bag lunch/ Benkay is our neighbor across the street.)
1:00 - 3:00 class
To sign up just email us at:
contact.MMPA@gmail.com Subject line: Tillman’s Class.
Tillman gave us two packets to email to participants once they've made a donation. That will secure your registration and we’ll send a confirmation with the materials. HERE is the place to make your donation. Please call 207. 808.8919 Tues, Thurs. Friday or Saturday 11- 5:00 with questions.
Print Night At mmpa
We are very excited to announce our latest outreach project, Print Night Starting in May. One night a month MMPA will pull portfolios and prints (of all sorts and varieties) from the flat files. Masters of photographic prints, conservators, historians, preparators and artists will speak around the topic of editions, materials, conservation, handling, storage and what is new in the print making world. From darkrooms to A.I. you’ll learn all the processes and the various techniques of what’s involved to make, store, frame, gift and steward superior prints. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about and view phenomenally well crafted photographic works on paper, acquire photographic works, and meet the artist maker. If you are a collector, artist, student or generally interested in learning, this night is for you.
Print night: a monthly event, was made possible by two generous grants from The Onion Foundation and The Morton Kelly charitable trust.
Todd Watts, A shadow Too Many - Different Kinds of Air #3, Edition of 10, 2008, Inkjet print, 23 x 19 inches, $1,900.
The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts presents a New book in 2023:
Barbara Morris Goodbody, A Life in the Arts
This book sells for a $100. donation to the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts.
available in our store.
Barbara Morris Goodbody has worn many hats in her lifetime; Artist, Collector, Philanthropist. She is also a visionary, a collaborator and a connector. The goal of this book is to commemorate and illustrate some of her contributions, sharea variety of her artistic efforts, and express the gratitude of individuals and organizations she’s worked with along the way. Barbara has played key roles in shaping the arts in Maine. MMPA wishes to honor and recognize the impact of her legacy, and the contributions she has made to the culture of our state. Barbara is mercurial, intuitive, and operates from the heart in all matters. As an artist you will see her photographs progress from documentary images taken on world travels, to deeply symbolic abstraction or philosophical works that speak about the interconnectedness of mankind. Often one of her interests feeds another. For instance, her evolution and experimentation as an artist influenced her collecting and philanthropic work. Her humanitarian efforts often take the form of involvement. Throughout her life, upon seeing a need in the community, she took the initiative to launch a solution out of thin air. Barbara surrounds herself with the best possible candidates, mentors, artists, and collaborators. She isn’t afraid to give of her time, get entangled or bring about change for the greater good. As a collector, all art is equal in her eyes; folk and native art IS high art. Her collections reflect her interest in humanity and include works from Mexico, India, South America, Cuba, Haiti, Australia, Bahamas, Jamaica, France, Africa, England, Japan, Germany and China as well as North America. Her artistic interests lie in Fiber arts, indigenous arts, Photography, Book arts and portfolios, Sculpture, Paintings and Works on paper. At its peak Barbara’s collections have had over 3000 objects.
Since the inception of MMPA, Barbara has always been a big part of our organization. As the director, it is fitting that I would have a hand in creating this book. She wasan early advisory board member and a passionate supporter from the beginning. Barbara helped us launch the Maine Museum of Photographic arts in 2010, has exhibited her personal work and, her photography collections, collaborated on two earlier books, and most recently, she spearheaded the beginning of our new space in Portland on 15 Middle Street, in the spring of 2022. We are so grateful to Barbara for championing our museum with her guidance and friendship and for supporting the many arts and educational institutions in this state. –Denise Froehlich, Dir. of MMPA
Call for works 2024: FIGURATIVE - The Body as Language
August 2 - September 28, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, August 2, 5-8pm
Deb Whitney, Looking at the world through rose colored goggles series, 2022, Grid: Appropriated photo transfer, embroidery thread and a fragment of a pink diaper cloth, 12 x 18 inches
April 1, 2024 deadline
We are interested in works that use the body to express content. This could be as traditional as nudes, portraiture, self portraits or as contemporary as what is happening with the politics of the body today; How we’re counted and treated by the color of your skin, our gender, who we love or whether or not we have a uterus. If you have something to say and it’s well executed we’re interested. we welcome submissions FROM MAINE AND BEYOND in any photographic medium.
Send us an email with “Figurative PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION” in the subject line, a short bio (2-3 sentences), an artist statement (3–5 sentences about the content of the work.) and 6–36 jpgs (1500 pixels, long edge) to contact.mmpa@gmail.com
