Southern Delaware photographers are a Biggs hit

Southern Delaware photographers made a “Bigg hit” June 3 at the Biggs Museum of American Art’s Biggs Shot 2016, the fourth juried photography competition and exhibition featuring the work of professional and emerging photographers, in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

 The exhibit features a total of 90 selected works by 60 artists after a highly competitive jury process where more than 140 Mid-Atlantic artists submitted nearly 600 works.  Southern Delaware’s impressive representation includes 12 artists: Steve Billups, Bob Connelly, Geri Debiase, Sandra Grzybowski, Brook Hedge, Robert Peck, Kristi Rohrbaugh, Gervasio Ruiz Jr, Leslie Sinclair, Dick Snyder, Christopher Terrone and Libby Zando.  

 The exhibition will be on view at the Biggs Museum in Dover from June 3 through September 25, 2016. 

 * Steve Billups celebrates the female form in his black and white fine art nude figure photographs which have received awards in competitions from Washington State to Virginia, New Jersey and Delaware.  Billups is also a freelance photographer for the Cape Gazette.  

 • Bob Connelly was not just a gifted photographer but a Vietnam vet; a professional firefighter in Tempe, Az., who won an award for heroism; a high school teacher; and a community volunteer and leader in Milford.   He earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University at age 50, with an emphasis on photography, earned his teaching certificate, and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for teachers.  His award-winning work has been shown at the Delaware Art Museum and the Biggs Museum of American Art.  He and his wife, watercolor artist Rosemary Connelly, espoused the motto to “live cheap and make art.”  Connelly lost his battle with cancer in December 2015 and is sorely missed.  He was a member of the Milton Arts Guild, Mispillion Art League and the Rehoboth Art League.  

• Geri Debiase, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., now of Lewes, has had her work exhibited throughout the world. Her philosophy "to take a closer look, to go more slowly" is evident in her work. Her choice of subject matter often comes from the simplicity of nature, whether it be a floral abstract, a landscape or a romantic look at the human form. She is a member of the Coastal Camera Club.

 • Sandra Grzybowski    Long time photographer and “ribbon collector” from numerous Delmarva photography competitions, she favors an eclectic assortment of subject matter featuring local and southwest scenes.  Grzybowski is a member of The Center for the Arts of Ocean City, Md., and Coastal Camera Club, Lewes.  

 • Brook Hedge:  After leaving a legal career of 40 years in Washington, D.C., Hedge resumed the pursuit of her first love, photography.  She joined the Coastal Camera Club and is on its board of directors.  She serves as chair of the competition committee.  Her work has been included in juried member shows of the Rehoboth Art League. 

 • Robert Peck is a resident of Rehoboth Beach, and is a seventh generation Delawarean. He is a chef by trade and a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.  Peck is a self taught photographer whose passion grew from a need to share his experiences from his daily rambles through various wild life reserves, state and national parks in and around Delmarva.

 • Kristi Rohrbaugh of Millsboro is a Communications student at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus. She said that her favorite assignment of the fall 2015 semester of her photography class was “the altered state”. Rohrbaugh took photos of lit up matches. She said that she always wanted to be a journalist, but after taking this class she now wants to pursue photojournalism. 

 • Gervasi Ruiz Jr is inspired by the beauty of nature that has surrounded him from his native Puerto Rico and throughout his travels across the US. He is hooked on the expanding photographic techniques starting with his childhood plastic camera. Ruiz describes his work “as the blending of aesthetic and technical skills to get the results I envision.”  A member of the Mispillion Art League in Milford, Ruiz’s photographs have been shown extensively and have been enthusiastically received. He is represented by ART Affects.

 • Leslie Sinclair has been pursuing her passion for photography since 2008. She strives to show life in new and interesting ways.  She uses art as a way to tell a story and evoke a sense of wonder. Her work often pays homage to classic still life by highlighting color and texture with her unique perspective.  Sinclair is a member of the Coastal Camera Club. The club promotes the education of its members through sharing of photography skills and experiences. “We are particularly proud that four of our club members had works accepted into Biggs Shot 2016, and appreciate the Biggs Museum's focus on photography" said Sinclair. Currently, Ocean Medical Imaging in Milton is hosting an exhibit of CCC photography, a venue established for them by Libby Zando of Art Affects. Coastal Camera Club information can be found at  www.coastalcameraclub.com.   

 • Dick Snyder connected with his old passion for photography after retiring from a long career at AT&T. A lot had changed from his days in the B&W wet darkroom. Snyder is a regular award winner in many regional photo competitions. His photos feature stunning compositions highlighted by atmospheric accents and fine technique. His photos are always a stand out. He is long time member of the Coastal Camera Club.  

• New Jersey born Chris Terrone creates traditional imagery with a contemporary view of nature, including landscapes in Europe and Africa. His images ask questions about the passing of time, and our relationship to the world we live in. He pushes boundaries with his unique insights and compositions.  Terrone’s work has been shown in a featured film and 201 Magazine. He has won numerous awards in Africa and the tri-state area since having relocated to Rehoboth Beach, 

 • Libby Zando is a painter and mixed media artist who has a master in fine arts degree and is the chief designer at Zando Designs Inc.  She recently developed ART Affects, a service which represents numerous local artists.  ART Affects’ mission is to promote regional and original art collection and display. They work with homeowners, businesses and designers to assist in selection and installation of art in homes, gardens and commercial spaces.   She is a member of the Milton Arts Guild, Delaware By Hand and the Rehoboth Art League.  

The Biggs selected photos as well as new work by each artist will be presented by the Milton Arts Guild (MAG) from Sept. 13 through Oct. 19, in the MAG gallery on Walnut Street in historic Milton. More information will be available shortly on MAG’s Facebook page.