The Photographers of Dripping Springs (PODS), a non-profit that’s been lively within the space for about 15 years, has made the choice to affix the Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL) as a part of a brand new images membership, fairly than proceed as an unbiased group. The two teams held a gathering on Jan. 22 to discover their path ahead.
Warren Capps, who joined PODS in 2012 and served as president in 2018 and 2019, stated that whereas he was unhappy that PODS wasn’t going to proceed, he was glad in regards to the choice to nonetheless have a images membership.
“PODS never really recovered its calendar of activities after the pandemic,” Capps stated. “We used to have a monthly program with a speaker, one or two shows per year, field trips, and workshops.”
After COVID, Capps stated that reveals and workshops by no means returned. And over the previous yr, PODS primarily had only one month-to-month program or social. The group had hassle discovering members who had been prepared and capable of step up as leaders, he stated.
Capps stated he’s extraordinarily happy with the help from DSAL, and could be very to collaborate with different DSAL golf equipment and markets.
“DSAL really has opened up a community,” Capps stated.
Dave Wilson, who additionally has been a member of PODS for round 12 years, has agreed to be a co-leader of the brand new group together with Vince Curletta. Wilson stated he thinks each DSAL and PODS will profit from the merger.
“By becoming a club within DSAL, we should be able to get back to the core job of promoting and practicing photography under the umbrella of a very well-run organization that can handle many of the administrative, outreach and promotion tasks that PODS had a hard time staffing,” Wilson stated.
Wilson stated he was inspired by the quantity of people that attended the assembly, and that there have been a number of new individuals who weren’t present PODS members.
“DSAL does a fantastic job of communication and outreach, which should make the new photography club more visible in the community,” Wilson stated. “Their established exhibition plans should also offer photographers more opportunity to show their work.”
Steve Friedman, co-founder and president of DSAL, stated he liked the expertise and power the group confirmed on the assembly.
“I’m thrilled that the DSAL is in a position to honor PODS’ legacy of serving the local photographers community with the same interactions, socials, and services PODS has provided for over 15 years while combining with the markets, exhibits, and other events DSAL offers to showcase their talents,” Friedman stated.
Friedman stated he shall be working with Wilson and Curletta to finish the formal transition.
“DSAL is committed to a smooth transition and offering great programming and camaraderie for local photographers of all skills and interests,” Friedman stated. “It is important DSAL blend the best of PODS and DSAL to form a club that serves the community. I have no doubt we are well on our way.”