Monday, Mar. 08, 2010

Annual photo exhibit shows off Los Banos talent

Residents enjoy three-day event at Ted Falasco Arts Center

The annual Los Baños Arts Council photography exhibit was held during the weekend.

Held at the Ted Falasco Arts Center, the gallery featured more than 20 exhibitors - local and county professionals, amateurs, students and residents.

Years ago the arts council decided to establish a photography exhibit for the community as part of its vision of expanding the arts in the community.

"It lets people share photos they've taken and like with other people," Nick West, of the arts council said before the event. "And it also lets the community have a nice viewing of other people's work. Part of the art council's purpose is to provide this service to the community."

Rachelle Talag said she enjoyed spending time at the event.

"It's really neat seeing different pictures," Talag said. "It's fun trying to figure out the pictures of local areas."

Talag said she's been attending for two years now and it's something she and her husband, Hoang "Ichabod" Nguyen, will continue doing.

"I think there's more of a variety of this year," she said in regards to subject.

Nguyen said he appreciated the new series of photographers at the exhibit.

"It's a good thing to feature different artists," he said. "It gets more people involved."

Jamie Haug, also a Los Baños resident, attended the event for the first this year and said she thought the turnout of attendees and of artwork was better than she expected.

"I think it's really good for our community to have this," Haug said. "It's a way to meet other residents, and see their work."

Haug said she enjoyed viewing the photographs of local scenes.

"I like photography. It's absolutely something I appreciate. I appreciate anyone who can do it well," she said. "I'll definitely come again."

Councilman Mike Villalta said he also appreciates the annual event. Villalta, who enjoys photography and submits work to the event on occasion, said he plans to attend every year it's held.

"I don't have a lot of time to do what I love, so it's nice to see this [exhibit] each year," Villalta said.

Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com