BFMC to Host Photography Exhibit Reception Feb. 25

GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) will host a reception and open house for photographers contributing to the exhibit “Summertide Revery” on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the hall outside Oncology, on the main floor of the hospital.

The exhibit features a collection of photographs by 20 members of the MeetUp group Base Camp Photo Adventures in the Pioneer Valley and Beyond. The event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments available and many of the photographers on hand.

The exhibit, which will be on display in the Oncology hallway through April, includes photos depicting treasured summer indulgences as a distraction from the winter and reminder of the joys in the coming season. A majority of the photographs are available for sale.

When Beth Reynolds, former owner of Base Camp Photo Gallery, departed the area last fall, the photo community she created banded together, utilizing the meetup.com website. “Summertide Revery” is the second display of Base Camp MeetUp group photos installed in the Oncology wing at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

“Beth created a photo community, and she taught us so much about photography and philanthropy though photography,” said Ginny Newton, who organized the shows. “I was inspired by her infinite supply of caring and looked for a way to continue in her ‘acts of kindness’ footsteps.”

In order to curate the art for BFMC’s Oncology wing, Newton became a hospital volunteer. “Having been an oncology patient, I felt it was important to continue providing quality photography in the Oncology wing. I know it brings a welcome distraction to patients, their families, the staff, and anyone else who wanders down the hallway.”

The displays are changed out every three months with a new theme chosen for each display. As noted in the “Summertide Revery” introduction, “winter is a time for many of us to dream of warmer times. We look forward to being outside enjoying the warmth of the sun, the tranquility of water, and the healing properties of relaxing in the great outdoors. As we enter the longer months of winter, the Base Camp MeetUp group have gleefully gathered images of treasured summer indulgences.”

The Base Camp MeetUp group is for anyone who has a camera and enjoys photography. Members are active and passionate about learning, sharing skills, and group photo adventures. Various leaders organize events, trips, displays, and photo outings. All skill levels and cameras, film or digital, point-and-shoot or manual, are welcome. For more information, visit meetup.com and search for ‘Base Camp’ to find the group.