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		<title>Chicago Art - Blogs</title>
		<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php</link>
		<description>Community forum and social network for Chicago artists and art aficionados.</description>
		<language>en</language>
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			<title>Chicago Art - Blogs</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php</link>
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			<title>Master Prints</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=80</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:40:12 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Expressions Graphics Gallery Presents:

*"MASTER PRINTS"*
Relief Prints by Nicaraguan Artist Carlos Barberena...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Expressions Graphics Gallery Presents:<br />
<br />
<i><b>&quot;MASTER PRINTS&quot;</b><br />
Relief Prints by Nicaraguan Artist <a href="http://www.carlosbarberena.com" target="_blank">Carlos Barberena</a></i><br />
<br />
<b>OPENING RECEPTION: July 16, 6:00PM - 9:00PM</b><br />
<br />
<b>July 1 - 31, 2010.</b><br />
<br />
Closing Party: July 31, 6:00PM - 9:00PM<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4096971005_69ebe11b6f_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><i><div align="center"><b>&quot;La McMona&quot; </b>print by Carlos Barberena.</div></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>“Master-Prints”</b></i><br />
In this series I employ the process of appropriating and varying “Master Pieces of Art,” using at times both their titles and compositional strategies but inserting contemporary imagery to create new works. <br />
<br />
These pieces reflect contemporary issues such as environmental pollution, exploitation of natural resources, human rights issues, violence, labor rights, wars, and the use and abuse of power. <br />
<br />
My selection of master pieces was not entirely random: with most, I chose pieces which reflected contemporary issues during the period in which they were produced. I researched the ideas behind each artist’s piece, the ways in which each artist dealt with the contradictions and hypocrisy of these issues. <br />
<br />
Then in some, I inserted contemporary issues into them that fit with the complex imagery of each. In others, where the message of the work was particularly clear and widely understood, I introduced new, contradictory ideas.<br />
<br />
<b>Expressions Graphics</b><br />
29 Harrison St.<br />
Oak Park, IL 60304<br />
(708)386-3552<br />
<a href="http://www.expressionsgraphics.org" target="_blank">www.expressionsgraphics.org</a></div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>carlos barberena</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=80</guid>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>www.chicagoartsalon.blogs pot.com</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=79</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:45:26 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Here is the Chicago Art Salon Blog- check out information about the "Improbability" exhibition!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Here is the Chicago Art Salon Blog- check out information about the &quot;Improbability&quot; exhibition!</div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>chicagoartsalon</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=79</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Carlos Barberena Solo Exhibit: Master Prints and Años de Miedo at UTPA</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=78</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:57:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The University of Texas-Pan American invite you to join the solo exhibition of the nicaraguan artist Carlos Barberena: "Master Prints and Años de...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The University of Texas-Pan American invite you to join the solo exhibition of the nicaraguan artist Carlos Barberena: &quot;Master Prints and Años de Miedo&quot; at the University Gallery.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Opening Reception will be April 7th, 6:00PM to 9:00PM during the Pan American Days celebration.</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>March 29th - April 12th. 2010</b><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4481881746_ecac65648d.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br />
<b>Artist's Statement:</b><br />
Since 1990, art has given me the freedom to travel over the ocean of my memories, permitting me to express my sentiments and through this, dig deeply into the vastness of human knowledge, knowledge which has helped me to better understand the world that surrounds us. <br />
<br />
For me art is a powerful form of communication, which I employ to make reflections and question the issues that we live in our contemporary society, the fears, the desires, the hopelessness, and the nonsense <br />
<br />
With my work, I seek to be a vector of change, collecting images that pertain to our collective memory and that, in certain form, make reference to painful events in the history of my country and of the world.<br />
<br />
I hope never to become inactive nor esthetically dead before the period in which we are living. I hope to react without fear in order to say what needs to be said in the moment in needs to be said. However, because of this, some, related to the infrastructures that make art a business, will try to curtail my freedom by censuring my work. <br />
<br />
Over the last three years I have been working on different series of prints. <br />
<br />
<b>“Años de Miedo”</b><br />
This Print Portfolio is a homage to the victims of war, based on my memories and the collective historical memory of my country (Nicaragua) in the decades of the 70's and 80's. But, at the same time, this does not mean that it is limited geographically, because it is the reality in many countries at present.<br />
<br />
This Portfolio is presented as a manner of reflection about war and its effects and how these memories and fears affect our lives not only physically but also in psychological terms. <br />
<b><br />
“Master-Prints”</b><br />
In this series I employ the process of appropriating and varying “Master Pieces of Art,” using at times both their titles and compositional strategies but inserting contemporary imagery to create new works. <br />
<br />
These pieces reflect contemporary issues such as environmental pollution, exploitation of natural resources, human rights issues, violence, labor rights, wars, and the use and abuse of power. <br />
<br />
My selection of master pieces was not entirely random: with most, I chose pieces which reflected contemporary issues during the period in which they were produced. I researched the ideas behind each artist’s piece, the ways in which each artist dealt with the contradictions and hypocrisy of these issues. <br />
<br />
Then in some, I inserted contemporary issues into them that fit with the complex imagery of each. In others, where the message of the work was particularly clear and widely understood, I introduced new, contradictory ideas.</div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>carlos barberena</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=78</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>The Chicago Salon</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=76</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:47:32 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>http://thechicagosalon.blogspot.com/

GROUP STATEMENT

The Chicago Salon was started in 2002 as a way for graduates from the School of...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><a href="http://thechicagosalon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://thechicagosalon.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
GROUP STATEMENT<br />
<br />
The Chicago Salon was started in 2002 as a way for graduates from the School of Representational Art to remain connected as they began pursuing their individual artistic directions. Regular Salon meetings provide a forum for the members to share information regarding happenings in the art world. These discussions spur creativity and facilitate a synergy that is not possible when working in isolation.<br />
<br />
Group critiques are used to challenge the artist to articulate his/ her creative vision in a way that not only explains the intention, but also acts as a means of clarifying ones own artistic path.<br />
<br />
The Salon consists of the following eight members:<br />
Craig Blietz - blietzstudio.com<br />
Brian Sindler - briansindler.com<br />
Gail Potocki - gailpotocki.com<br />
Shar Coulson - sharcoulson.com<br />
Kathy Honey - kathyhoneystudio.com<br />
Amy Lloyd - amylloydart.com<br />
Meltem Aktas - meltemaktas.com</div>

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			<dc:creator>meltemaktas@yahoo.com</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=76</guid>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Artist for Hire</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=74</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:10:20 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[IImage: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1093943&id=1049643056  (http://www.joemorrisart.com)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>I<a href="http://www.joemorrisart.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1093943&amp;id=1049643056" border="0" alt="" /></a></div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>joemorrisart</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=74</guid>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Call for Chicago-area Student Artists</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=72</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:53:18 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Union League Civic & Arts Foundation is currently accepting submissions to their 2010 Visual Arts Competition.

The Foundation will award up to...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>The Union League Civic &amp; Arts Foundation is currently accepting submissions to their 2010 Visual Arts Competition.<br />
<br />
The Foundation will award up to $34,000 in awards for excellence in the 2010 Visual Arts Competition. In addition, for 2010, CAF will offer a special category exclusively for photography. <br />
<br />
Awards are as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>2010 General Category: Excluding Photography<br />
First Place - $5,000 minimum<br />
Second Place - $4,000 minimum<br />
Third Place - $3,000 minimum </b><br />
<br />
<b>2010 Special Category: Photography Only<br />
First Place - $2,500 minimum <br />
Second Place - $1,500 minimum <br />
Third Place - $1,000 minimum </b><br />
<br />
Honorable Mention Award(s) will be given at the discretion of the judges. <br />
<br />
Club Choice Award(s) - A vote of the Union League Club Members in attendance at the Visual Arts Reception will decide the recipient(s) of the Club Choice Award(s). <br />
<br />
The First Place winner of Club Choice Award will receive a minimum of $1,000. <br />
<br />
 Participation Requirements: <b>Any student who is 30 years old or younger and enrolled full time in a visual arts college or university degree program, undergraduate or graduate level, in the Chicago metropolitan area, is eligible to participate. </b><br />
<br />
Qualifying Application Process: This year, applicants have two ways they can submit entries. They can either submit a paper based application or they can submit an online application at our website <a href="http://www.civicandarts.org" target="_blank">www.civicandarts.org</a> (under arts competitions) or click the below link <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.civicandarts.org/images/uploads/Visual_Arts_Guidelines_2010.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.civicandarts.org/images/u...lines_2010.pdf</a> <br />
<br />
Either way is sufficient for applying. If you are applying via a paper based application, all documentation must be postmarked by Monday, March 15, 2010. If you are applying via our online application, all files must be submitted electronically by the end of Monday, March 15, 2010. Both application processes are the same whether you are applying for the 2010 Special Category of Photography or the 2010 General Category. Note: Please be sure to indicate on the application the category to which you are applying.<br />
<br />
Please email <a href="mailto:civicandarts@ulcc.org">civicandarts@ulcc.org</a> or call (312) 435-5961 with questions.</div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Civic & Arts Foundation]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=72</guid>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Todos Somos Inmigrantes / We All Are Immigrants</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=68</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:59:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>*TODOS SOMOS INMIGRANTES / WE ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS*
exposición de arte / art exhibition

Image:...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><b>TODOS SOMOS INMIGRANTES / WE ALL ARE IMMIGRANTS</b><br />
<i>exposición de arte / art exhibition</i><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4188833021_39138c85e2_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
</div><br />
<b><i>Artists:</i></b> <i>Alfredo Arrequín, Oscar Moya, Lydia Limas, Arturo Miramontes, Raquel Deal, José Guerrero, Carolina I. Reyes, Miguel Lemus, Carlos Barberena, Alejandro Romero, Roberto Valadez, Patricia Acosta, Francisco Mendoza, Saúl Aguirre, Eufemio Pulido, Miguel Cortez, Hector Duarte, Jaime Vargas, Cristóbal Cavazos, Diana Solis, Victor Navarro, Efren Beltran.</i><br />
<br />
Curator / Curador: <b>Efren Beltran.</b> 773-732-5618<br />
<br />
<b><i>Reception: DECEMBER 19, 2009, 6:00PM, Calmecac Gallery<br />
CASA AZTLAN 1831 S. Racine, Chicago IL 60608.</i></b><br />
<br />
Exhibition Open to the Public: Dec 19 2009 / Jan 23 2010<br />
<br />
<b><div align="center">ARTISTAS POR EL MOVIMIENTO</div></b></div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>carlos barberena</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=68</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Free Camera Gift Service for the Holy Days!</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=67</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:45:20 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>*Thinking about buying or giving a digital camera this December? Confused about what to buy and where to buy it. Where is the best price?

Attend one...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><b>Thinking about buying or giving a digital camera this December? Confused about what to buy and where to buy it. Where is the best price?<br />
<br />
Attend one of our free 90-minute workshops and get the scoop. At the conclusion of each workshop, I will help you figure out what to buy, and where to buy it for the best deal in the country.<br />
<br />
Why not use my five decades of experience to help you make the best purchase decision this year. There is no charge for this service. How's that for a &quot;Special&quot;? No Text but you may call me at 312-671-7717.<br />
<br />
Laughter Will Be Heard and Learning Will Occur  ;-)</b></div>

]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=67</guid>
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			<title>Cold Weather Photography</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=66</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:36:50 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>*How should I use my camera? In the rain and snow?*

In days of old I used underwater cameras when I was in heavy rain or snow. Nikon made a camera...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><b>How should I use my camera? In the rain and snow?</b><br />
<br />
In days of old I used underwater cameras when I was in heavy rain or snow. Nikon made a camera called &quot;Nikonos&quot;; it used film and in later model years also had a pretty good exposure meter. The &quot;fixed focal length&quot; lenses were among the sharpest lenses I ever used. I never used them under water because I don't swim.<br />
<br />
In this new digital world there is no camera manufacturer that makes underwater cameras. You can buy very expensive underwater &quot;housing's.&quot; I've never trusted them but I don't need to use them for my work. I just don't trust equipment until after I have experienced it.<br />
<br />
The truth is that unless you're in a hurricane, an ice storm or snow storm, you usually don't need such specialized cameras and housings. Yes, you can use your expensive digital camera in rain and snow with just some 'common sense' precautions.<br />
<br />
The camera manufacturers make a very big deal about how their cameras are well sealed from dust. Lets think about that: Is a drop of water bigger or smaller then a speck of dust? Do not &quot;dunk&quot; your digital camera into a bucket of water or the tub! ;-)<br />
<br />
If your camera were to drop into the snow or into a deep puddle for a few seconds, don't panic. How many seconds?, try to keep it under 60. The first thing to do is turn the camera off and immediately remove the battery. Water can conduct electricity and you want to try to prevent the circuits from shorting out.<br />
<br />
Inspect the camera and remove any water that might be standing on the surface. Dry the camera off, inspect the battery compartment for any moisture. If you have a can of compressed air, put the tip into the creases of the camera and blow the air to see if any moisture escapes. If not, that's good; be happy. Put a dry battery into the camera and while looking at the LCD screen, turn the camera on. If you see an error code on the screen, turn off the camera and remove the battery immediately. Go to Plan B (see below).<br />
<br />
If you don't see an error code, try to take a picture. If the camera works, than inspect the image to see if there are any water marks on the image. If there are no water marks on the sensor than you may have dodged the bullet. Pay close attention to how the camera works to see if there are any delayed problems, if not, don't worry. Be happy. If there are problems, take the battery out and go to Plan B (see below).<br />
<br />
<b>Plan B.</b><br />
<br />
This is going to sound weird, unless you know me. I have done this with good result. Set the thermostat on your kitchen stove to about 110 degrees. After you remove the battery, place your camera on the center rack for 7 hours if it's a Canon and 8 hours if it's a Nikon. ;-)<br />
<br />
The idea is to try to evaporate any moisture that might be in the camera. At 110 degrees, the oven is not hot enough to melt anything and the hours should allow any moisture to evaporate. If the camera does not work then you should send the camera to the manufacturer's repair facility. I would just tell them the camera stopped working and see what happens. Do not trust an independent repair facility for this kind of repair.<br />
<br />
If you drop your camera in salt water, there may be nothing you can do to save it. See if your camera is covered by your apartment or home owner's insurance. If you don't have any insurance than never leave the house again and only photograph the outside through closed windows. ;-)<br />
<br />
So much for &quot;worse case&quot; scenarios. Let's talk about &quot;most of the time&quot; scenarios. I have what most people call, in polite company, a barrel chest. I also have referred to it as a &quot;beer belly,&quot; even though I don't drink.<br />
<br />
I walk around most of the time with my jacket or coat open in the front. When photographing in bad weather putting the camera around your neck and letting it hang in front of you is just fine. With your coat open, the coat will provide enough cover to protect the camera and lens. If the rain or snow is coming down so hard that you have to close the front of your coat than you will also protect your camera.<br />
<br />
Some people use zip lock bags or buy expensive &quot;armor&quot; covers for their cameras. I find that negotiating the use of the camera through that kind of stuff, is tedious and slows me down. Remember we are always looking for those &quot;perfect moments&quot; and anything that gets in the way of using the camera gets in the way of getting the shot.<br />
<br />
Most of the time caution and common sense will be all you need to protect your camera. If you're protecting yourself, you will also be protecting your camera. Don't be afraid to use your camera, especially because &quot;Bad Weather Makes Good Pictures.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>One more thing.</b><br />
<br />
Cold weather affects the performance of all batteries. In cold weather, batteries lose their effectiveness. Keep a spare battery in your pocket. That is to say, in a pocket that is next to your skin. You want to be sure that the spare battery stays warm. In cold weather when the battery in your camera gets depleted in part because of the low temperature, swap out the cold camera battery for the warm spare battery in your pocket.<br />
<br />
When the cold battery warms up because of your body heat the battery will recover some of its power. When the new camera battery gets cold, just swap the batteries out again. Two batteries managed that way will give you enough power to stay on the ski slopes all day. And if you experience total disaster and every goes wrong:<br />
<b> Que. sera, sera, tomorrow is another day. ;-)</b></div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=66</guid>
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			<title>History of the Stop-Of-Light Handout</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=65</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:34:28 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Remember, as with all of my prose, put tongue in cheek and Smile. A grain is way too much salt to take while reading this.

I first published my...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Remember, as with all of my prose, put tongue in cheek and Smile. A grain is way too much salt to take while reading this.<br />
<br />
I first published my stop-of-light charts in the final years of the last century. I was attempting to make something that would help my students understand the importance of the numbers between what is considered the &quot;whole&quot; stop/step numbers. These numbers have been in common use for about the last 60 years plus. For photographers with many years of experience these in-between numbers have never had much consequence. The numbers have always been part of the numerical equation but never showed up on cameras until the late 1980's. Before that, most of the time, photographers just concentrated on getting the correct exposure.<br />
<br />
Download the Stops of Light Handout, PDF (64kb). <br />
&lt;http://www.chicagophotoclasses.com/blog/files/stops-of-light.pdf &gt;<br />
<br />
I would like you to believe that I am smart enough to know and understand the high math that these equations require. I do NOT have the math skills, and I am NOT smart enough, to understand any of this. Understanding the required math has little to do with good photography (although there is always someone in class who just can't get past the numbers).<br />
<br />
One night after my insomnia kicked in I started to play around with my new camera and decided to see if I could make sense of f-stops and shutter speeds for my students. I set my camera on manual and used the two dials (one for f-stops and one for shutter speeds) on my camera to see the numbers/settings on the LCD screen, that was on the top of the camera I was using (you can also see the numbers when looking through the prism on a SLR camera). As I dialed the different settings I wrote the settings down, so I could produce the charts.<br />
<br />
There are two charts, one for 1/2 stops and one for 1/3 stops. The bold numbers are the standard &quot;whole&quot; stops and the in-between numbers are the 1/2 or 1/3 fractions. (After I spent an hour or so concentrating on these settings I slept like a baby, fits and starts and crying until morning.)<br />
<br />
If you don't understand the charts or are more confused, please don't worry about it. Just put the charts down for later and pay attention to what's really important, &quot;the moment of the photograph&quot;. Over time &quot;learning will occur&quot;. Que sera, sera. R.  ;-)<br />
<br />
<b>&quot;Please note: these re-designed charts were done by Keith Skutt, Thank You Keith</b></div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=65</guid>
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			<title>Mission Statement</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=64</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:28:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[At Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes, we teach you how to get it right in the camera in the first place – "Plus". What's the Plus? We...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>At Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes, we teach you how to get it right in the camera in the first place – &quot;Plus&quot;. What's the Plus? We don't just develop images we develop people through Photography. And that's our Mission.<br />
<br />
The journey from &quot;Photo I&quot; through to &quot;exhibiting&quot; in a show is one of challenge and personal growth. The operation of the camera will be demystified of course. More importantly you will learn to see: To see light, to see expression, to see the juxtaposition between yourself, your subject and others. On the journey to a group show you will gain perspective of yourself and others. You will be part of a group of people whose concern is for you to do your best, and your concern will be, for them to do their best.<br />
<br />
We will provide you with a solid platform and resources that you will use for a one-person show – and on your journey of lifelong learning. Teaching is not our hobby, or part time job, teaching for growth is what we do, it's who we are. &quot;Learning will occur.&quot;<br />
<br />
We are a Community Center in the spirit of Jane Addams who opened her Hull House settlement house in 1889. We don't have a Hull mansion but we don't need one. Jane Addams moved into a community and spent her life working for the betterment of the community and its people. One of the outcomes of that work was organized art programming in public schools. Jane's viewpoint was &quot;art ennobles the soul&quot;. That was over a hundred years ago.<br />
<br />
For 33 years I worked at Jane Addams Hull House, teaching photography and always looking to help people use their photography skills for self awareness – to use photography to better understand themselves and their friends and family. To use their photography to be more aware of their neighborhood and neighbors, to reveal and share their viewpoint and insights about the world around them.<br />
<br />
For 33 years with volunteers and class fees, without being a financial drain on foundations or government agencies, we worked with thousands of people, always trying to broaden their viewpoint and increase their self awareness. The resulting yearly exhibits were titled &quot;WithInSight&quot; and as the program grew, the exhibits became bi-yearly and in the end we exhibited four times a year. The photography program ended because Hull House Association needed money from their most valuable asset, and sold the building.<br />
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The 33 years working at Jane Addams Center taught me the value of community. We bank at the Northside Community Federal Credit Union. We make purchases from local businesses whenever we can. We ask for payment by check or money order or cash because the credit card companies charge us fees for handling transactions. The fee drives up the cost of classes. Why give a percentage of the transaction to people that don't care about you or us?<br />
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The heart of the photography program is the volunteer instructors. They are highly motivated women and men who teach so they can share their knowledge with others. They in turn were taught by volunteers, and those volunteers were taught by volunteers and the chain goes back to 1969. No hourly wage can compensate them for their work. Money and a job is not their motivation for teaching, community is. Sharing with others what was shared with them.<br />
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The volunteers are not paid, but they are not charged either. People get unfettered use of the facilities in exchange for their work. This makes a place and a way for people who may not have all of the money they need to be part of the community. Many people volunteer not for any financial considerations, but because they want to contribute, because they want to help, because they want to keep their life in balance and not take more then they receive. And sometimes just – because.<br />
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Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes exists because of the help and generosity and work of many volunteers, some have been with me for more than 15 years. I THANK THEM. My promise to them: I will do everything I can to not waste their Faith and Work.<br />
<br />
<b>&quot;If you are a product of your environment, <br />
Choose the environment you wish to become a product of.&quot;</b><br />
<br />
R. Stromberg June 1964<br />
<br />
<b>Laughter Will Be Heard  &amp;  Learning Will Occur</b></div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
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			<title>Talking The Talk and Walking The Walk</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=63</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:23:47 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[To use the vernacular of the 1990's what's the difference between, "talking the talk" and "walking the walk." When we say that we're...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>To use the vernacular of the 1990's what's the difference between, &quot;talking the talk&quot; and &quot;walking the walk.&quot; When we say that we're &quot;student-centered&quot; we demonstrate that by our actions every day, 24/7.<br />
<br />
We are completely independent from any equipment manufacturer and/or camera store. If we make a recommendation about cameras or other photographic equipment, it's because we have experience with it and/or know enough about it to feel comfortable recommending it. We pay very close attention to the outcome of our recommendations because as far as we're concerned our reputation is on the line.<br />
<br />
We have always thought of our program as &quot;student-centered.&quot; What do we mean by that? We're for you; it's not all about the money you spend with us. Many schools may make such a claim, how do you know if it is true with us? Or if you like, what makes it true? Please remember, you can never trust what an organization says; you can only trust what an organization actually does.<br />
<br />
We are accessible virtually 24 hours a day by telephone. If you have a problem or question Richard gives out his mobile telephone number so you may text or call him; except when he is teaching in the classroom, he answers his phone. We give you as much time as you need in the print labs and lighting studio, within reason. As you advance in the photography program you are allowed more and more access to the facilities. We actively encourage the sharing of skills and helping of each other.<br />
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Sometimes we hear, &quot;I came here to learn, not help others learn.&quot; If that is truly your attitude then your place is probably somewhere else, sorry, we are a community devoted to learning and teaching photography. We limit the teacher-student ratio to one teacher for every six students. If you have an emergency at work or at home, we do everything we can to help you catch up.<br />
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If your camera breaks during an eight week session, we loan you one and help you understand what you have to do to get your broken camera or lens fixed. We routinely loan lenses to students if we can.<br />
<br />
Our guiding principle is that we want to make it possible for people to fully participate in our programs. Moreover, with us it is most important that,<br />
 &quot;Laughter Is Heard&quot;  &amp;  &quot;learning occurs&quot;<br />
<br />
Richard Stromberg ;-)</div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
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			<title>Lifelong Learning, Not Academic Imitation</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=62</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:19:24 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Academy? Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Well maybe, but not when its not real or backed up with substance. Why settle for someone...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Academy? Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Well maybe, but not when its not real or backed up with substance. Why settle for someone else's interpretation of the tried and proven curriculum that has provided a solid platform for over 12,000 students over the last five decades?<br />
<br />
The curriculum used at Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes has allowed thousands to continue a journey of lifelong learning. Some have gone on to make some money from their photographs and some have sent their adult children to learn from Richard. In all cases, Laughter Was Heard and Learning Occurred. Richard's classes are imitated but not equaled. You may not like him or you may like him but everyone agrees, Richard and his classes are a Chicago Original.<br />
<br />
Chicago's best and original photography community started in the Fall of 1969. Today, Richard Stromberg's Chicago Photography Classes is the continuation of that same program Richard Stromberg and James M Hunt started at Jane Addams Center Hull House. That program was staffed entirely by volunteers for 33 years at the Jane Addams Center and then, until Fall of 2008 also staffed by volunteers for the program Richard founded with others at the Chicago Photography Center.<br />
<br />
Presently, Richard continues his program with the same tried and proven principles used to teach digital and film photography. This program is imitated but never equaled and offers the student the best value for the dollar of learning in Chicago. Attend one of Richard's free, 90 minute workshops, held on Sundays starting at High Noon. The only accent here is on learning; attend the workshop and decide for yourself.<br />
<br />
Read our Photo I curriculum here<br />
<br />
<b>Laughter Will Be Heard and Learning Will Occur  ;-)</b></div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Welcome to the "People's Program"]]></title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=61</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Most of the schools teaching art and photography tend to turn out people who become "Elitist." You know the kind; they somehow think they're a little...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Most of the schools teaching art and photography tend to turn out people who become &quot;Elitist.&quot; You know the kind; they somehow think they're a little better than the rest of us. <br />
I've always thought that some of what goes on in these &quot;schools&quot; has done a disservice to their students as well as the rest of us. I have seen grown men and women reduced to helplessness and tears because of cruel critiques. I've seen teachers insult and demean students just for the sport of it.<br />
<br />
In this new place I've decided to use the name &quot;Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography Classes.&quot; I've done that to help distinguish the classes at &quot;Chicago Photography&quot; from the crowd. After 40 years of teaching, 45 years in the business and more than 12,000 students, my ego doesn't need any more help.<br />
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I think of the program at Chicago Photography as the &quot;People's Program.&quot; No &quot;attitude&quot; or &quot;elitism&quot; permitted here. Chicago Photography is about learning and work and personal growth and mentoring and teaching and using your skill and talent to enrich life, yours and others. <br />
<br />
Oh, and it's also about fun, the kind of fun you have when you learn and accomplish something, the kind of fun you have as you get to know people and as you get to be known. The fun you might have sharing what you know with others and the inspiration someone might get from you and you from others.<br />
<br />
Chicago Photography is a Community Center devoted to photography and personal growth and to sharing and mentoring. Chicago Photography is affordable and will work to bridge the &quot;Digital Divide.&quot; A healthy mix of people, ranging in age from late teens to mid-sixties and older; people of all races; singles, married, divorced, empty nesters, gay, straight, whatever. Learning and using Digital cameras and Film cameras, too. At Chicago Photography we pride ourselves on being &quot;student centered.&quot;<br />
<br />
Come in, call or text my cell phone: 312-671-7717. If you're buying a camera I will save you money. <br />
<br />
— Richard Stromberg ;-)</div>

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			<dc:creator>Chicago Photography Class</dc:creator>
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			<title>Water Street Studios Gallery</title>
			<link>http://site.artworldchicago.com/community/blog.php?b=58</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:28 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Check out Water Street Studios in Batavia, IL.  Everytime someone comes and sees this new community art center they are blown away.  No one realizes...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Check out Water Street Studios in Batavia, IL.  Everytime someone comes and sees this new community art center they are blown away.  No one realizes what a unique place this is until they see it.  We have two galleries, 3 classrooms, 26 studios in a beautiful and unique historical limestone old manufacturing facility.  It has been transformed into a space of creativity in all forms of art for all ages.  WSS Friday Features promotes performing arts - music, poetry, and dance.  The website <a href="http://www.waterstreetstudios.com" target="_blank">www.waterstreetstudios.com</a> lists all kinds of current events.  The next event coming up is the Water Street Wonderland Holiday Celebration.  Check out our website.  We also have a submittal deadline coming up on Dec 1st for the Winter show.</div>

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