Exhibit in Milliken Gallery Showcases Life Inspirations for Black Women Photographers

Sistagraphy, an Atlanta-based photography group featuring seasoned and emerging talents within the community of African American women photographers, will exhibit their work in “Food for the Soul” at the Milliken Art Gallery at Converse College Jan. 5-Feb. 3. An opening reception is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 in the gallery. As with all gallery events, the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Milliken Art Gallery at (864) 596-9181 or e-mail the gallery.

Sistagraphy was formed in May 1993 when Atlanta photographer Shelia Turner summoned an informal group of female photographers to discuss ways to creatively express their African American culture through the photographic arts. According to Turner, Sistagraphy is comprised of an eclectic group of artists who range in age from the late-teens to beyond 50. “Very few of our members are professional photographers,” she said. “Some are stay-at-home mothers and others are professional women who travel incessantly. The one thing they do share is a passion for photography.” Although the group is based in Atlanta, some of its more than 45 members live in Ohio, California, Delaware, Philadelphia and New York. They have exhibited widely including Hammonds House Galleries (Atlanta, Ga.), Rush Art Gallery (New York, N.Y.), Cleveland State University and Bryn Mawr University.

In “Food for the Soul,” 12 Sistagraphy artists will present images of what inspires them in their daily lives. “At Converse, we’ll show approximately 40 pieces of art with literal and abstract interpretations of what keeps the artist going as a person. The interpretations will range from spiritual to family to soul food and beyond,” explained Turner. “The mediums that we’ll use include classic silver, gelatin prints, Polaroid transfers, mixed media creations and imaginative framing.” All of the artwork will be available for purchase.