It was July 1993. shelia turner (name written on purpose in all lower case) and eight other black female photographers curated the exhibit “Nine Diverse Women Photographers” at Frames -n- Fine Arts in Lil Five Points. The group of women had so much fun showcasing their creative works that they decided to form a permanent organization for ‘sisters in photography’.
It was cofounder, Sue Ross who created the organization’s name, Sistagraphy. The next year, in 1994, Sistagraphy curated their first full exhibition under its name at the West End Performing Arts Center. For 30 years Sistagraphy, has provided photographers who are women of color opportunities to exhibit their art through local and national venues. Their mission is to provide positive differences in the lives of the artists and the community it continues to serve.
Today, Sistagraphy continues to provide a sisterhood for women of color the opportunity to bond and share their own perspectives, making personal and social commentaries using their camera lenses and exhibiting their photographs for the world to view. Meeting once a month, the women network amongst each other, learn photography tips and conceptualize their annual exhibits.
Sistagraphy curates up to four exhibitions a year. Two of the primary annual exhibits are curated in the month of March to celebrate Women’s History Month and in October for Atlanta Celebrates Photography Month. It was Sistagraphy that the art curator of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport called upon to provide African American representation for the “Picturing Georgia” exhibit displayed in the new International Concourse named after Atlanta’s first African American mayor.
Sistagraphy’s new exhibit, Memories: Visualizing the Journey, is a compilation of photography art from its members that celebrates Sistagraphy’s 30th anniversary. It came to an amazing start as members stood on the steps of Atlanta City Hall to witness the signing of the city’s Proclamation giving honor to this great organization.
The exhibit is open free to the public at the Auburn Avenue Research Library and is being displayed until August 17, 2023. The opening reception held on July 8th was bittersweet because founder shelia turner, who passed away in 2018, was not physically present to view Sistagraphy’s accomplishments. But her spirit was felt. shelia’s legacy will continue to live on through the Sistagraphy members, their art, and the shelia turner Projects Foundation, which is operated by her sister, Stephanie Adderley.
Please visit the following website to learn more about Sistagraphy and shelia turner Projects Foundation: www.sistagraphy.com
For more information, email sheliaturnerprojectsfoundation@gmail.com.