Los Angeles Photography Exhibition Brings hundreds to Monrovia’s Paint n Play

Stephen Coleman – The man behind the lens and exhibit

By Terry Miller
I had the privilege of being invited to show some of my images in a joint photography exhibit last week by my good friend Stephen Coleman. Coleman, who took on this Herculean task, can usually be seen at any number of breaking news events and press conferences carrying a heavy video camera for KABC news in Los Angeles. For this night, however, Coleman opted for the 35mm format of his digital Sony camera to produce some stunning still images along with a host of other local shooters.
Curated and heavily promoted by Coleman and orchestrated through Lisa Berrios, owner of Paint n Play, last weekend’s special one-night -only show celebrated Southern California through the eyes of veterans of the news business. From images of celebrities and iconic landmarks, the collective effort of these photographers illustrated Los Angeles County with powerful and poignant passion.
Many professional shooters like the iconic Pulitzer Prize winning Nick Ut from AP showed up as well as Gary Friedman from the Los Angeles Times – while not exhibiting – these two terrific shooters lent their considerable support and celebrity to the photographers showing their work as well as encouraging the eager students who popped in to learn more about the news photography business.

MAFA president Bill Beebe and Mayor Mary Ann Lutz were also in attendance as the guests steadily streamed in for the 3 hour show. There was also a surprise visit from Dr. Eric Pollard, the distinguished expert on the prevalence of typos in the newspaper business and in closed captioning on television. Pollard is occasionally sighted at a popular speakeasy named after Arcadia’s founding father near Caltech – so it was a particular honor to have him attend this opening.
Mid-way through the event, Lisa Barrios asked all the photographers to get together for a group photo and curator Coleman asked each photographer to say a few words about his/her work and inspiration.
Inspired and humbled by the success of the show, Coleman thanked each and every one of the participants and VIP’s verbally and in a post-show email.
“I want to thank all the photographers who spent so much energy and effort making last night such a successful evening and to all our guests for coming and celebrating in Old Town Monrovia. I am sorry that I could not spend time with each of our guest and I trust they enjoyed themselves by all the laughing and spirited conversations I saw and heard. For me when I hear people laughing and smiling I know the event worked well. The photography is the best in town by the best men and women in town. I am so humble to be welcomed among all of you. The young students that came were fantastic and I hope they mixed and talked and I am so happy they were there.” – Stephen Coleman
Veteran newsman John North, who retired last year from ABC, was also recognized by Los Angeles City Councilman Tom Labonge during the event.
Participating photographers displaying their work included-
Patti Ballaz, Rouzanna Berberian, Gary Brainard, Katrina
Brown, Ringo Chiu, Stephen Coleman, Bryan Frank, Haywood
GoldenEagle Galbreath, Dave Klein, Tom Labonge, Terry Miller,
Gary Reyes.
The evening’s images ranged in complexity and color as did the overall feel of the show which Coleman has been planning for months. The beauty and artistry of the photographers’ work was second to none. If indeed an image is worth a thousand words, then this gallery exhibit was worth a volume or two of Roget’s Thesaurus.
The Locke Brothers provided a great backdrop of live music for the evening. I eagerly await the next event Coleman plans.

Miller, left and legendery AP shooter Nick Ut at the show. – Photo by Ringo Chiu

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