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This October, Camera of the Month Club (CMC) celebrates its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of community and creativity at SohoPhoto Gallery, one of the oldest photography galleries in New York City. Founded by Canadian photographer, educator, and activist Erica Reade, CMC is a vibrant collective where photographers come together to connect and showcase their work.
In September 2014, Erica held the first informal meetup for CMC, advertised through the community platform Meetup.com. The response was enthusiastic, leading her to seek a permanent space, which she found at the iconic SohoPhoto Gallery. Since then, CMC has grown into a thriving community with over forty members, ranging from hobbyists to full-time professionals.
What sets CMC apart from other photography communities is its commitment to inclusivity and support. In an art world that can often be exclusionary, CMC offers a welcoming space where photographers of all backgrounds and skill levels can thrive. The club’s members are diverse, not only in demographics but also in their photographic interests and techniques. Whether in medium format, Polaroid film, or digital manipulation, each member brings a unique perspective to the group. This is at the forefront of CMC’s mission, fostered by its team of volunteer co-directors, which include Carlos Juarbe, Taranita Costales, Ashton Gooding, Charlie Lederer, and Erica.
Over the past decade, CMC has hosted numerous group exhibitions, providing members with the opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience. These exhibitions have covered a variety of themes, including “The Male Gaze,” “The Personal is Political,” and “Phone Photography.” Each show is carefully curated by the club’s directors, resulting in captivating exhibitions of diverse approaches to image-making.
The upcoming 10-year anniversary exhibition, themed “Less is More,” promises to be CMC’s most compelling show to date. Scheduled to take place at SohoPhoto Gallery from October 8-14, 2024, the event will include a group exhibition, an opening reception, an industry mixer, a panel discussion, and a member-led workshop. This celebration will highlight both the incredible talent within the club, as well as the strong sense of community built over the past decade.
CMC’s commitment to its community extends beyond its monthly meetings and exhibitions. The club also organizes monthly photo walks and an annual photography retreat upstate, allowing members to immerse themselves fully in their craft and build lasting friendships. These activities provide valuable opportunities for photographers to learn from one another and develop their skills in a collaborative setting.
The Camera of the Month Club’s journey over the past ten years is a testament to the power of community and the importance of providing a supportive space for artists to thrive. As the club celebrates this significant milestone, it continues to inspire photographers to push the boundaries of their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion.
Join the Camera of the Month Club at Soho Photo Gallery from October 8-14, 2024, to celebrate a decade of creativity and community. For more details, visit www.cameraofthemonthclub.com.
