Deep Appreciation for Photography as Art
The 31st Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition is behind us, but the impression this show has left on all who have seen it will last long after the photographs have been taken down.
In fact, the feedback was even more enthusiastic than I could have imagined. A volunteer at the sales desk wrote, “Lots of people and great comments—several returning folks said this was one of the strongest shows they can remember.” Another Mill member told us: “A neighbor of ours … who goes to the photo show every year told us yesterday that this year’s show was the best ever!”
We opened our doors to a few events that also surpassed my expectations. Our outreach efforts brought photo club members from Bristol, Churchville, Doylestown and the Lehigh Valley out on a rainy spring evening to do what photographers like to do—talk about photography. On another day, visitors who came to hear the Concordia Players were surprised and pleased to be surrounded by beautiful images while listening to exquisite music. Later, the impressive array of images served as a backdrop to the Mill’s annual Spring Fling, which brought together artists of all kinds: painters, sculptors, actors and photographers.
Of course, a show like this cannot exist without a dedicated committee, a world-class juror and all the people who came through the doors to see it. We thank the entrants for submitting their works; Thom Goertel for jurying such a splendid selection of images; the volunteers for helping during the show; and the committee members for undertaking a multitude of tasks essential to the exhibition.
Although 2025 will bring a new juror, a few new committee members (hint) and fresh ideas, the exhibition will stay true to the underlying theme for the last 31 years, “Photography as Art,” which is the primary reason for the show’s continued success. I can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Maria Dreyer
Chair, Phillips’ Mill Photo Committee
