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The Photographers of Dripping Springs (PODS), a non-profit that’s been active in the area for about 15 years, has made the decision to join the Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL) as part of a new photography club, rather than continue as an independent organization. The two groups held a meeting on Jan. 22 to explore their path forward.
Warren Capps, who joined PODS in 2012 and served as president in 2018 and 2019, said that while he was sad that PODS wasn’t going to continue, he was happy about the option to still have a photography club.
“PODS never really recovered its calendar of activities after the pandemic,” Capps said. “We used to have a monthly program with a speaker, one or two shows per year, field trips, and workshops.”
After COVID, Capps said that shows and workshops never returned. And over the past year, PODS primarily had just one monthly program or social. The group had trouble finding members who were willing and able to step up as leaders, he said.
Capps said he is extremely pleased with the support from DSAL, and is very interested to collaborate with other DSAL clubs and markets.
“DSAL really has opened up a community,” Capps said.
Dave Wilson, who also has been a member of PODS for around 12 years, has agreed to be a co-leader of the new group along with Vince Curletta. Wilson said he thinks both DSAL and PODS will benefit from the merger.
“By becoming a club within DSAL, we should be able to get back to the core job of promoting and practicing photography under the umbrella of a very well-run organization that can handle many of the administrative, outreach and promotion tasks that PODS had a hard time staffing,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he was encouraged by the number of people who attended the meeting, and that there were several new people who were not existing PODS members.
“DSAL does a fantastic job of communication and outreach, which should make the new photography club more visible in the community,” Wilson said. “Their established exhibition plans should also offer photographers more opportunity to show their work.”
Steve Friedman, co-founder and president of DSAL, said he loved the experience and energy the group showed at the meeting.
“I’m thrilled that the DSAL is in a position to honor PODS’ legacy of serving the local photographers community with the same interactions, socials, and services PODS has provided for over 15 years while combining with the markets, exhibits, and other events DSAL offers to showcase their talents,” Friedman said.
Friedman said he will be working with Wilson and Curletta to complete the formal transition.
“DSAL is committed to a smooth transition and offering great programming and camaraderie for local photographers of all skills and interests,” Friedman said. “It is important DSAL blend the best of PODS and DSAL to form a club that serves the community. I have no doubt we are well on our way.”
