Last weekend I attended a memorial held for the late great Michael Smith at the Michener Art Museum here in Doylestown. Stephen Perloff, Smith’s long-time friend and Founder and Editor of Photo Review Magazine, and Richard Trenner, another long-time friend and editor gave tributes to his life.  Then his wife and outstanding photographer Paula Chamlee spoke.  Very moving about a man who lived a life on his own terms and by his own rules.  Not many can say they have done that.  She also made sure that everyone in attendance had a nametag on so that they could introduce themselves to one and other and begin new friendships.  That is what Paula wanted, and what Michael would have wanted.

It was wonderful to see my good friends that I have had the good fortune to come to know since moving to here. I also ran into Peter Schrager who has been a long-time reader and commenter to this website. Wonderful to finally meet you Peter and I look forward to getting together in the near future!  But true to Paula’s wishes I met new people as well.  I met Diane Levell who’s photography exhibit I recently saw and wrote about here. Turns out we live only a few miles from each other!  I also met Steve Sherman, who’s first annual Photo Arts Xchange I will be attending and presenting at in May.  Finally, I was thrilled to meet the great George Tice and several other fine photographers and darkroom workers that I look forward to getting to know in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.

All in all a wonderful event … just the way Michael and Paula wanted it!