Creating Family Ties

Traditions are a important part of family identity. Growing up, my family shared many traditions, from salt in the sugar bowl on April Fool's Day to our annual midnight party on Christmas Eve. It has been exciting to share some of these traditions with my wife and son, as well as establish new traditions of our own.

Last year, Judy started attending a monthly gathering hosted by Dana Moler of Once Upon a Family (a company devoted to helping families create traditions and stay connected), during which Dana and the other mom's share ideas on how to create lasting family ties.

On Saturday, May 27 Judy is hosting a Once Upon a Family celebration at our home and you are invited. Dana will be there to inspire you with several great ways to strengthen family ties. To learn more you can go to Once Upon a Family.

For directions and to RSVP contact Judy at judy@dodgenphotography.com

Westerly Art Show

This Spring, I have had the privilege of assisting the Westerly School 5th grade class with an abstract photography project. In abstract photography the goal is to photograph objects in the natural world in such a way that they are reduced to pure shape, color, pattern, line, and/or texture. The challenge is to make these photographs visually or conceptually interesting.

The student's work will be on display in the Education building at Cal State Long Beach. The opening is June 1st at 6:00 pm. We would love to see you there. Call or e-mail me for more details.

One piece from each student will also be on display in the cafe at the Long Beach Museum of Art beginning in the middle of the May. The work will be displayed in a grid of 20 11x14 prints. It is stunning to see (see a small sample below). Cafe hours are Tuesday - Friday 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Every Friday the Museum is FREE and features artmaking activities for all ages. For more information go to the Museum's web page.



It has been inspiring working with teachers, Susan Story and Emily Chandler, and the students of Westerly. A special thank you to Nancy and Byron Pinckert for their support.