The Blackheath Art Society is pleased to announce that renowned photographer Len Metcalf will be the judge for its forthcoming Winter Open Exhibition, which will be held over the Queen's Birthday long weekend from Saturday, June 8, to Monday, June 10.
Metcalf started photography as a youngster growing up in the Blue Mountains when he received his first camera as a gift. His first teaching gig was as a 15-year-old to a local Scout troupe.
He studied Fine Arts at the City Art Institute (now the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of NSW).
He graduated with straight distinctions and received the coveted award for 'Most Outstanding Advanced Colour Photographer'. Turning down two corporate photography sponsorship offers, Metcalf instead pursued a career in education and outdoor adventure. Photography became his passion and his escape from work.
During his 30-year career in education, Metcalf has worked with numerous schools and businesses as an experiential educator, facilitating learning outcomes through experiences in the outdoors.
He also writes educational and inspiring articles for Better Photography, Australian Photography, Photo Review in Australia and On Landscape in the United Kingdom.
In 2000, Metcalf founded Len's School. Since then he has been teaching, mentoring and guiding photographers in some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia, from arid deserts and windswept coasts to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
The society's Winter Open Exhibition is open from 10am-5pm Saturday to Monday (closing at 4pm on Monday June 10) at the purpose-built studio situated at 139a Station Street, Blackheath.
The regular Meet the Artists event and prize giving will be held from 2.30pm on Saturday, June 8.
The society also holds regular classes and workshops. Coming up later this year are aluminium etching - a non-toxic printmaking method with Seraphina Martin (on the weekend of July 20 and 21), and acrylic fundamentals with Geoff Hayes on Saturday, August 10.
Membership of the society is open to individuals who are interested in the practice of the creative arts, wish to participate in one or more of the approved activities of the society and who accept its objects and rules.
For more information, see www.blackheathart.com.
