Don't miss the book signing by photographer Barbara Pennington "EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN FROM AN ORDINARY PLACE"

Reception and book signing January 23rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Light refreshments

To preorder the book and pick it up at the Peninsula Art Academy, click the button below.

Pre-order Extraordinary Women

Extraordinary Women from an Ordinary Place by Barbara Pennington In 2019 I wandered into the Peninsula Art Academy. Behind the desk stood the most elegant woman-Edna Bradford Ratner. I thought she might be Georgia O’Keefe. Her speech was poetic, and as we conversed, my desire to write a book of photography about women of age rose to the surface. After several more visits and much more persuasion, she agreed to be photographed, and my journey to capture extraordinary women began. Over the next three years, I photographed local friends, relatives, and perfect strangers between the ages of 60-94, capturing their essence with my camera and learning pieces of their life stories. As Edna was the motivation to start this adventure, I wanted to honor her with being my choice for the cover. I hope you enjoy reading about 52 Extraordinary Women.

Pre-order Extraordinary Women

UPCOMING EXHIBIT The Power of Portraits: Human and Animal  Exhibit runs Jan. 23 to Feb. 20, 2022  Opening reception Jan. 23, 2022, 5 to 7 pm (well-behaved pets welcome)

ABOUT THIS EXHIBIT Artists and photographers are invited to submit portraits in traditional or non-traditional styles of a single individual, a couple, or a group. The artist's intention may be to present an idealized, neutral, or psychological image that reveals the subject's personality, behavioral characteristics, or the inner life of emotions. The gallery also welcomes “environmental portraits" showing individuals in their surroundings that provide insight into their characters and lives. Feel free to submit self-portraits, whether formal or informal, including selfies. In addition, beyond humans, the gallery invites portraits of animals, domesticated or wild, that reveal unique personalities. Or wildlife photographers and artists can show us extraordinary creatures in their natural habitats. Let’s see your images -- the power of portraits.

Our art exhibits are great opportunities to show and sell your work.

Even if you don't display artwork, please come visit, and don't miss the opening reception for each show. Meet and greet artists, enjoy refreshments, and maybe add a piece or two to your collection.

NOTE TO ARTISTS  Don't forget to pick up your artwork from previous shows on time. We don't have storage space for artwork from prior shows after a new show opens. 

Please visit our class schedule ("classes" tab at peninsulaartacademy.org) for a listing of our exciting new classes -- or call and ask one of our volunteers during regular business hours. 

Would you like to become an active associate at the Peninsula Art Academy? VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Are you interested in playing a greater part in the world of art and artists? Maybe you would like to volunteer to help the Peninsula Art Academy advance the mission of becoming a premier destination for instruction and showing of fine arts and crafts, traditional and modern. We'd love to have your help. We especially need volunteers in reception and sales: greeting visitors, acting as docent, and ringing up sales. Other areas in which you could enjoy sharing our success include publicity, marketing, administration, outreach, and helping instructors. You don't need a lot of experience, and we will train you. TEACH AT PAA Do you have a art oriented skill you would like to share with others? As an instructor at PAA you have the opportunity to develop your own classes and teach them using our facilities on your schedule and at your price (a portion of the student payments are to be provided to the PAA in return for space, publicity, and volunteer help.)

For more information, please call (330) 657-2248 during regular business hours, email [email protected], or visit our website at peninsulaartacademy.org. Our normal business hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that we are a non-profit, volunteer organization, and we are occasionally unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.