Gather. Learn. Share. Enrich. - 'Community Connect' with Photographers!

The community of Gather is a diverse landscape of content, personality and viewpoint. In many respects, Gather is a microcosm of the larger communities in which we live in each day. We discuss, debate, and sometimes infuriate, but collectively, we love the community and the members that we share our precious time with.

While we get to know individuals through their content and commentary, often there is a vast amount of talent, experience and knowledge which lies hidden behind our icons. This potentially unexplored or unheralded facet of Gather membership may provide another means for ‘connection' with other members, a connection through the sharing of ourselves, and our specific creative interests or expertise.

Therefore, beginning last week, I commenced rolling out a series of Gather Groups™ devoted to showcasing member talent and knowledge.

• Individual art, photography, artisan and craft ‘galleries' will allow us to learn more about the creative work of other members, including art and sculpture, portrait and landscape photography, quilting, stained glass, and jewelery making, among hundreds of other member talents.  Exhibitors may also link members to additional exhibits, or to galleries and other sites where their work may be acquired or commissioned (within specific guidelines).
  

• A virtual ‘bookstore' will provide a platform for published members to discuss their books, provide excerpts and additional information, as well as link to resources where copies may be obtained (also within specific guidelines).
  

• A music 'stage' for singers and musicians to highlight their musical talent and to 'spin' the tale of their inspiration and stylings.  Gather does not support audio at this time, so links will need to be provided to externally hosted audio, or sources to acquire CDs, MP3, or other formats.
  

• A member ‘knowledge-base' in which members can volunteer their unique experiences, skills and knowledge to other members in the community.  Listed members may commission work, if possible.

The Gather Groups™ currently open are the:

Member Artist Showcase

A growing collection of exceptional member art, artist interviews, and a platform for members to share their artistic talents, and to connect with others that appreciate the arts.

If you know an artist on Gather, let them know about the Member Artist Showcase!

Member Author Showcase

Want to know which Gather members have been published, and learn more about their books or short stories? The Member Author Showcase will spotlight the published works of Gather members, present author interviews, the 'stories behind the story', and hopefully be an exceptional way for published members to connect other members to their work.

If you know a published author on Gather, be sure to tell them about the Member Author Showcase!

The NEW group, opened today, is the:

Member Photographer Showcase

which will soon present the work of member photographers, photo essays, photographer interviews, and a behind the lens look at the photographic trade and creative process.

Know a member in the field of photography? ...or a member photographer in need of promoting their creative expression in film or digital medium? Then share the news, and let them know about the Member Photographer Showcase!

This 'Community Connection' initiative is a work in progress, and will evolve as the needs and interests of the community dictate. Therefore, suggestions and other input is encouraged, as ultimately, the member benefiting will be....you!