Bay Area Student Photographers Showcase Artwork in Newark

Fine art photos taken by student Bay Area photographers will be on exhibit at NewPark Mall's Cultural Corner throughout August.

The exhibit is hosted by (BAPWT), a group of professional photographers giving back to the community by offering free photography classes to aspiring photographers.

The program goals are to mentor, educate, support and foster fellowship among all levels of photographers; enhance confidence in photography and raise the level of creativity and skills.

Beginner photographers - whether hobbyist or wannabe professional - are taught and mentored by expert photographers:Keith Dixon, a professional      commercial photographer and founder of Bay Area Photographers Working Together; Sheila Morgan Gibson, an active and teaching photographer and co-founder of Bay Area Photographers Working Together and Edward Wright, director of Tri-Cities Development Center. 

Ten students being spotlighted are part of The Salon Group program offered by the BAPWT. The program is a photographic "think tank" that meets once-a-month designed to encourage free-flowing ideas and originality. Members learn artistic approaches, style and how art history influences photographic creativity.

Members must complete an 11-week class within the last two years and nine one-on-one mentoring sessions as well as submit a digital or printed portfolio for review.

Additional information on Bay Area Photographers Working Together and The Salon Group can be found at http://www.meetup.com/photgraphers-working-together. 

The exhibit is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visitwww.NewParkMall.com.

The Cultural Corner, which opened in May 2011, provides exhibit space for the work of local artisans, including painters, sculptors, photographers and digital artists.  Local artists interested in displaying their work at the new Cultural Corner are invited to call Kenia Ortiz at 510-284-1600. 

WHEN:         

• August 4 - 31, 2012
• Wednesday - Friday, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.           
• Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.           
• Opening Reception August 12, 2012 - 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

WHERE:        

• Cultural Corner (lower level near Sears), NewPark Mall, 2086 NewPark Mall