W
hat you see here is the culmination of many factors coming together to produce the high-quality photography in this catalog and on display at our Second Annual Photography Show. Generous contributions from CPVA and Voluntary Services funded this year’s program, and dedicated LBVA staff and volunteers worked countless hours to make sure that the real “stars” of the show, the Long Beach Veterans, were given a fitting venue to display their awesome talents. A photography show like this is a testimony to their skill and vision and above all, to their commitment to attending weekly classes--even though their personal lives might not always allow an easy commute to and from the classroom. Examine the photographs. Many of them can stand by themselves in any gallery in Long Beach. Then realize that many images were taken with one hand, from a wheelchair, and you begin to appreciate what you’re looking at. The silent auction is your way of supporting the program. You can’t begin to imagine what a thrill it is for the Vets to sell their artwork. Your purchase is a validation of what they’re doing, a vote that says “I really like your photography . . . keep it up!” If you see something that really moves you, be sure and tell the photographer. The more compliments we receive, the better we get! --Michael Ziegler, Instructor