Art at the JCC is pleased to announce the first juried exhibition of humorous photography at the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara. This show is comprised of photographs from professional and amateur photographers. Featured invited artists include Harry De Zitter, Alfred Gescheidt, Michael Gold, Jane Gottlieb, Mark Edward Harris, Steve Horn, Jay Maisel, Mary Ellen Mark, Sheila Metzner, Duane Michals, Reid Miles, James Salzano and Gil Smith. With its emphasis on high quality photography, this collection provides a chance to appreciate the humorous aspects of life based on imagination, craft and the original and innovative vision of these talented artists. 

Photos of the opening! 

Point.Click.Laugh! was juried by Brooks Institute of Photography faculty member Robert Sky Bradshaw, Westmont staff photographer M. Bradley Elliott, and Santa Barbara Museum of Art Curator of Photography Karen Sinsheimer.

Curator Darwin Bahm is a retired commercial artists’ agent with a distinguished career in New York City. He and his wife, artist Joan Landis, open doors to collections and artists that make this exhibition truly one of a kind.

M.L. Blatt – 1st Place
"Donald in New York"
$500 (unframed)

M.L. Blatt was born in Brooklyn, New York, first studying painting with Isaac Sawyer at the Brooklyn Museum of Art School.  He attended the High School of Art & Design and Pratt Institute, studying with Adolph Gottlieb, and went on to an award winning advertising career.  Most recently his work has been exhibited in New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Middleburg, Virginia and Cooperstown, New York, winning a number of “best in shows”.  Mike Blatt’s works have been commissioned and collected across the country. Photo not available.

Avital Aronowitz – 2nd Place
Betty Cracker
$300 (unframed)

Avital Aronowitz is the staff photographer for the rental division of Manhattan Apartments, Inc. When a great apartment hits the market she's always ready to be the first person there, camera in hand, whether it's near South Ferry or the northern tip of Manhattan.

Avital has a love of architecture and a strong connection to real estate. Her mother is a real estate agent who sells houses on Long Island. For many years, she has assisted her mom by photographing her exclusive properties for sale. Avital plans to graduate in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the School of Visual Arts where she has been a photography major since 2002. She has also worked as a photography assistant in NYC throughout her time as a student. Avital carries her camera wherever she goes.

Jeff Sedlik – 3rd Place
Sumo Ballet
$250 (unframed)

Jeff Sedlik shoots people both in the studio and on location. Sedlik's clients include Nike, Microsoft, Ikea, Sony, Levis, United Airlines, Epson, Bank of America, and others. In addition to his print work, Sedlik directs commercials, teaches lighting at the Art Center, and runs a publishing business.  In 2005 Jeff Sedlik received the International Photographic Council (IPC) Professional Photographer Leadership Award from the Advertising Photographers of America. The IPC, a non-governmental organization of the United Nations, honored Sedlik and other recipients in an awards ceremony held at the United Nations in New York City during “Professional Photographers’ Month.”

Honorable Mentions
Most photographs are for sale
Anonymous -Aunt Francis Set
Edmond Bridant-Birdwatchers
Adam Chang-Cupcake Heaven
Kate Connell-Rose After a Swim
Carol DeCanio-Street Closed
Deborah Denker-Pumpkin the Hula Cow
John Ellis-Smile
Melissa Fargo-In Prayer, Rome, Italy
Brad Farwell-Errant #3 from Heroic Landscapes
Lewis Groner-Two Statues in a Park
Seung Jae Kim-Untitled #3
Kate Luhr-Thinking Cap
Pali-X-Mano-Beauties, Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Bob Mask-Museum Light
Lawrence Naiman-Friendly Sidewalk Cosmetic Surgeon, Conducting the Tokyo Traffic Symphony
Alison Newberry-Yes, We Have No Bananas
Marianne Romeo-Self Portraits
Ilene Samowitz-What the ??? Happened to my Hair?
Lois Schubert-Miss Dolly’s Bad Day

Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00
Please call to make sure the art gallery is open
as we sometimes host private events in that room.

About Art at the JCC

Artist and collector Eli Luria launched Art at the JCC in 1999 to provide high-caliber, strongly-themed exhibits for the Santa Barbara community. The exhibit openings often feature gallery talks and panels with artists, curators and collectors that draw lively crowds.

Art at the JCC is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara. Through its exhibition and outreach programs, Art at the JCC honors and shares the universality of Jewish values, history and culture through various forms of artistic expression. The purpose of Art at the JCC is to provide Central Coast and other artists from all disciplines, the opportunity to bring their work to the Santa Barbara community. Because art is a universal language, our programs will cross all boundaries of religion, race, gender and age, and strive to maintain communication. Its mission is to promote identification and connectedness to the Jewish community and the community at large.