The first class I was asked to teach when I joined the faculty of SVA in 2003 was called Lecture Series. The course was simple and vital. Each week I would bring in a professional photographer to speak about their work and career in front of a class of 120 freshmen.
Brian Finke was one of the first to join me in that series and every series after that until the new chair discontinued the class in 2018.
Years have passed, but we have managed to stay in touch and lectured together here at the gallery for ASMP.
Good things happen when you become a part of the Photo Community here in New York (or wherever you may be). You start and build relationships that can lead to memorable collaborations and achievements. People want to help people they know and like. Opportunities come more from that than any open call you can respond to.
You have to start somewhere.
If you have already started, look at your network and start an initiative, organize a group exhibition, or do a studio visit - in person or over Zoom. When the pandemic hit, I created Instacrit, which received a tremendous response. I found a way to stay connected to photographers all over the country and the world.
We cannot wait for someone to provide the opportunity for us.
I will be opening up new classes through ICP, Maine Photographic Workshops, and the Los Angeles Center of Photography in the next several weeks. Once registration is open for all classes, I will announce them in an upcoming post.
My project, The Photo Community, will have these classes listed, announcements on the Exhibition Lab 2022, and other longer-term opportunities to work together as a community.
The gallery will also be undergoing a significant change in January. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite some time and feel the moment is right to launch it. More details on that once I have them for you.
Michael Foley opened his gallery in the fall of 2004 after fourteen years of working with notable photography galleries, including Fraenkel Gallery, Howard Greenberg Gallery, and Yancey Richardson Gallery.
In 2002, Foley continued his interest in educating and working with artists by serving on the School of Visual Arts and International Center of Photography faculty. He currently teaches and lectures on contemporary photography issues at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
In 2020, he founded The Photo Community, which offers classes and commentary on contemporary photography.
Foley lives and works on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.