Photographic Arts Society of Alberta
Brief Descriptions
Photographic Arts Society of Alberta (PASA) was formed and registered as a non-profit organization in Edmonton on April 11th, 1987. The objectives of the society is to promote the art of photography, cultivate interest and skills amongst members, and to provide free photographic services to local charities.
PASA regular activities included:
· Monthly meeting, competition, and magazine publication
Each month PASA holds a meeting and organizes photo competitions that allow members to exchange photographic skills and techniques, to further enhance their photographic experiences in capturing scenes, as well as learn about the control of light sources and editing. Members are welcome to submit their work which will be viewed by judges each month. The work of winners will be published in the monthly magazine.
· Outdoor activities
PASA encourages members to join more outdoor activities to get more hands-on experiences in different environments.
· Technical workshop
PASA invites experienced photographers to give lectures about photography mechanisms, black room techniques, digital photo treatment, and website setup skills.
· Equipment and facility
The society’s resources are computers and a black room facility that has been installed for the convenience and enrichment in the learning of its members.
· Annual exhibition
Each fall PASA arranges members’ newest work in the exhibition halls of the Provincial Museum of Alberta and the Edmonton City Hall. The exhibition is free of charge and everyone is welcome to enjoy the results of a year of hard work and innovation. The exhibition also provides a means of promoting photography arts and raises the interest and understanding of photography arts within the general public.
· Annual meeting and magazine
Each year, PASA hosts a number of activities to strengthen the friendship and craftsmanship of its members. During the annual meeting, a special exhibition of the Annual Fall Competition is held as one of the events for the night. Each year, enthusiastic members submit the best of their works to compete for the Annual PASA Trophy. Winners’ works are published in the annual magazine and winners can win a variety of prizes.
PASA provides photography services to local organizations like the Provincial Museum of Alberta for the exhibition The Rise of the Black Dragon, Chinese Cultural Center, Chinese Senior Recreational,Citizenship Ceremonial, etc.
In 1998, PASA arranged one of its biggest exhibitions From Asia Across the Sea in the Provincial Museum of Alberta. It was a proud and successful event because the collection of over a hundred precious historical photos illustrated the contributions made by Chinese immigrants over the last hundred years in Canada. This collection was also a record of a century of blood and tears. As a showcase of the Chinese life and artifacts, the exhibition was filled with cultural and historical meaning. With a profound sense of the arts, the collection captured and demonstrated the migration experience and circumstances of the early Chinese. Everyone praised the exhibition for its high quality and fine work.
In the same year. PASA presented another gallery The Many faces of Chinese Life Style, sponsored by The Wild Rose Foundation. Thephotos were from the personal collections of PASA members. Thegallery illustrated and recorded the development and cultural evolvement of the early Chinese immigrants through the display of their daily lives.
PASA members frequently participate in Salon Competition. We are proud of their remarkable work and their efforts also raise pride in Edmonton and Alberta.
Thank you for the unconditional support of the members over the past 15 years. As a result, PASA is able to publish magazines to document and report activities and events year after year. PASA invites you to compare the early and recent years’ publications, the increase in submissions, the professional coordination and organization, and the variety of themes and topics that support the society’s motto:
Members continuous to support
Society work continuous to proceed
In the 21st century, PASA will continue its mission to extend and promote photographic arts, encourage multidimensional innovation, and strive for more and better artistic works.