The Light Factory

Where artists, photographers, filmmakers and enthusiasts gather to share their impressions, techniques and passion…

Where the most recognized, most acclaimed and occasionally notorious images hang on the wall to educate and inspire...

Want to support outstanding photographers and filmmakers? Here is your opportunity.



About the Project

The Light Factory is raising funds to build two new galleries, a darkroom and a digital classroom in its new location in the vibrant Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina.

We did it! We reached our funding goal! We can hardly believe it, but we surpassed our initial goal last Friday afternoon (5/16) ... with still a full 12 days left in the campaign. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards all of those who have supported us to this point. Thank you very, very much for your belief in what we're doing at the Light Factory. But we're not done yet. The response to, and support of, this campaign has been so strong, that you've emboldened us to reach beyond our initial funding goal. Find out what we're up to here ».



The Rewards

As rewards for your generous support, some incredible photographers - members of the organization, and an extension of who we are - have offered amazing prints. From Jerry Uelsmann, to Maggie Taylor ... from Pinky Bass to Tom Chambers. Scroll down the page now and take a look at the wide range of rewards we're offering. You won't be disappointed!

A sampling of the prints available as rewards for your support.

Who We Are

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film is a not-for-profit lens-media-based arts and education center dedicated to the power of image. Through exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, classes and workshops, we bring important contemporary issues to the region and beyond.



In its 42 years The Light Factory has developed a national reputation for engaging and challenging exhibitions, including artists such as those who are supporting us through their generous donations of the prints being offered here.

Believing that art can change lives, The Light Factory offers an extensive community outreach program. Participants, having been successful in our programs by accomplishing goals for their artistic vision, develop and enhance their creative thought process, and find renewed interest in other areas of their lives. Our outreach students are learning to see the beauty of their world and becoming more confident in trusting their imaginations.



Why are we doing this?

In October of last year, The Light Factory made the difficult decision to temporarily suspended operations. As the broader non-profit community struggled to maintain funding support, The Light Factory also experienced a decline in funding - including both contributed and earned revenue - of almost 30 percent over the past three years.

In the subsequent few weeks and months, a group of devoted volunteers - some of whom had helped found the Light Factory decades ago - stepped up to save it. After careful consideration, the organization decided to return (and stay to true) to its roots as a volunteer-based entity, and set itself on a path to remain self-sustaining, rather than merge with another organization.

The 19 members of the new, all-volunteer board are in the process of "re-lighting" the Light Factory. While the initial focus was to get the organization as a whole back on its feet, the broader focus of the board is to establish a sustainable model that will endure well into the future.

Since those difficult days in October, this is a short list of what the revitalized organization has been able to accomplish:

Voted in a new Board of Directors

Moved from the previous Spirit Square location to the new location in Plaza Midwood, thanks to help from members and volunteers over the course of several weekends

Thanks to board pledges, rent at the new location has been paid for a full year

Built-out a new classroom at the new location thanks to membership fees & donations

Re-launched The Light Factory's education adult program with several classes in the first few months of the new year.

Collaborated with The Charlotte Symphony, holding a small photo exhibition of members' (Sam Wang, Ahmer Inam, Gary Miller, Charles Johnson) landscape work, at a recent performance.

Re-launched the official website of The Light Factory (http://www.lightfactory.org/)

Currently holding an exhibition of photographs at Babson Capital in Charlotte, with work by 4 Light Factory members (Byron Baldwin, Carolyn DeMeritt, Linda Foard Roberts, Phil Moody).

Received administration funding support from the Arts and Science Council.

With our feet now firmly under us, we launched this campaign to take the organization's revitalization efforts to the next level. Our goal is to raise funds that will help us in the construction of new spaces at our new Plaza Midwood location. In addition to finalizing the construction of the classroom, we want to upfit the new space with darkroom facilities and gallery space(s). We appreciate your interest and support in helping us RE-LIGHT The Light Factory!

http://www.lightfactory.org/

Note: Please expect to receive all artwork and acknowledgements within three to four weeks from the closing date of our campaign. After much deliberation, and hand-wringing, we made the difficult decision to only ship artwork domestically. The wide variation in international shipping costs, coupled with the challenges of dealing with customs is what prompted this decision. The good news for all US-based backers is that shipping is included with your generous contribution to this project!

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The Rewards - In Detail

We are very grateful to have so many great rewards to share with our project backers. Because there are so many - and because we are a visual organization, after all - we wanted to show the rewards off here.

$1 Reward

Thank you for the Love and Support! You will receive an E-Card “Thank You” expressing our gratitude for supporting our project. But that's not all ... stay tuned for a special thank you surprise at the end of the campaign!

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$10 Reward

You will receive a Light Factory Decal so you can go public with your commitment and support of The Light Factory.

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$20 Reward

You will receive one postcard by photographers Susan kae Grant, Maggie Taylor or Sam Wang thanking you for your support of our project. Choose from one of three beautiful postcards.

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$20 Reward

Choose a video by acclaimed filmmaker David Finkelstein. You will be able to select from among one of four titles, Terrifying Blankness, Marvelous Discourse, Two Distinct Courses of Action, or Display Devices.

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$25 Reward

Receive one catalog of your choice. Select from (1) Women of the Photo League, (2) River Docs, (3) Et In Arcadia Ego, Phil Moody, or (4) Come Shining: The Spiritual South, Deborah Luster.

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$50 Reward

Choose one signed print from Light Factory Board Member and photographer, Deborah Triplett (Memories of Mother, Unfurled Hibiscus, or UFO Vacation Home).



Deborah Triplett

Memories of Mother

8.3" x 10" image on 8.5" x 11" paper

Archival pigment photograph

Deborah Triplett

Unfurled Hibiscus

6.69" x 10" inches on 8.5" x 11" paper

Archival pigment photograph

Deborah Triplett

UFO Vacation Home

6.3" x 10" inches on 8.5" x 11" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$50 Reward

Receive a signed video, The Closest Thing to Heaven, by award winning Charlotte Filmmaker Dorne Pentes.

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$50 Reward

Receive your choice of one of three original photographs from nationally recognized artist Carolyn DeMeritt (Tucker's Grove Church Camp, Clara's Swing or South 21 Drive-In Restaurant).





Carolyn DeMeritt

Tucker's Grove Church Camp

5" x 5" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

Carolyn DeMeritt

Clara's Swing

5" x 5" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

Carolyn DeMeritt

South 21 Drive-In Restaurant

5" x 5" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$75 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership.

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$75 Reward

Receive one signed photograph by Light Factory photographer, Ahmer Inam (Bay).



Ahmer Inam

Bay

6” x 6” archival pigment print

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$75 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from nationally recognized artist Carolyn DeMeritt (Ruines de Mitla, Mexico).

Carolyn DeMeritt

Ruines de Mitla, Mexico

5" x 5" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$75 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from nationally recognized artist Carolyn DeMeritt (Panteon de Xoxo, Mexico).

Carolyn DeMeritt

Panteon de Xoxo, Mexico

5" x 5" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$75 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from artist and educator Paul Murphy (Orvieto, Italy Series).

Paul Murphy

Orvieto, Italy Series

10 x 10 inches

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and your choice of one original signed photograph by photographer and Light Factory Founder, Byron Baldwin (Prague, Summer '97).

Byron Baldwin

Prague, Summer ‘97

6" x 9" image on 8.5" x 11" paper

Archival pigment print

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by photographer and Light Factory supporter Eleanor Brawley (Castle Hill in Budapest).

Eleanor Brawley

Castle Hill in Budapest

6” x 6” image on 8.5” x 11” paper

Archival pigment print

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and an original signed photograph by Light Factory Board Chairman, Phil Moody (Fiume Topino, Bevagna, Italy).

Phil Moody

Fiume Topino, Bevagna, Italy, 2013

6” x 9" image on 8.5” x 11" paper

Archival pigment print

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from nationally recognized artist Linda Foard Roberts (Flowers in a glass half empty).

Linda Foard Roberts

Flowers in a glass half empty

9" x 7" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original photograph by former Charlotte photojournalist Steve Perille (Jackie Files for Divorce).

Steve Perille

Jackie Files for Divorce

7.3 x 11 inches

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original photograph by former Charlotte photojournalist Steve Perille (Railroad Man).

Steve Perille

Railroad Man

5.8 x 8 inches

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original photograph by former Charlotte photojournalist Steve Perille (TV with Rabbit Ears).

Steve Perille

TV with Rabbit Ears

6.5 x 11 inches

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by photographer and Light Factory supporter Eleanor Brawley (Moonflowers).

Eleanor Brawley

Moonflowers

9.3" x 7" image on 19" x 13" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by nationally acclaimed photographer, Alice Sebrell (Pyramids at Dawn).

Alice Sebrell

Pyramids at Dawn, 1999

8" x 8" archival Pigment Print

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$100 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and an original signed photograph by Light Factory Board Chairman, Phil Moody (Muras Cottage, Spittal, England).

Phil Moody

Muras Cottage, Spittal, England

8" x 10.4" on 13' x19" paper

Archival pigment print

3 available

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and your choice of two original photographs from nationally recognized artist Carolyn DeMeritt.

Carolyn DeMeritt

Choose two from among the six images available

3” x 3” images on 8.5” x 11” paper

Archival pigment print

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed movie poster from award winning film director, Thomas Morgan (Waiting for Mamu).

Thomas Morgan

Waiting for Mamu

Poster signed by the director The story of Pushpa Basnet, CNN Hero of the Year “No child should grow up behind prison walls”.

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Pinky/MM Bass (Angel Tear).

Pinky/MM Bass

Angel Tear, Pinhole Series, 1989

6" x 4.6" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from nationally recognized artist Carolyn DeMeritt (Deborah).

Carolyn DeMeritt

Deborah

7" x 7" image on 11" x 8.5" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a rare, small limited edition piece by nationally acclaimed photographer Bryce Lankard (Postal Worker, Washington Square Park, New York City).

Bryce Lankard

Postal Worker, Washington Square Park, New York City, 1984

12.5" x 19" edition of 30, signed and numbered

Silkscreen produced by Ink Floyd

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$150 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by photographer and Light Factory Founder, Byron Baldwin (Dancers, Cuba).

Byron Baldwin

Dancers, Cuba

9" x 14" archival pigment photograph

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$250 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by Light Factory photographer, Ahmer Inam (Crabtree).

Ahmer Inam

Crabtree

15” x 18” image on 20” x 16” paper

Archival pigment print

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$250 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed, limited-edition photograph from Light Factory photographer and supporter Gary Miller (Dunes, Outer Banks).

Gary Miller

Dunes, Outer Banks

16" x 20" image on 17" x 22" paper

Archival pigment print from 8" x 10" negative

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$250 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed, limited-edition photograph from Light Factory photographer and supporter Gary Miller (Cascades).

Gary Miller

Cascades

16" x 20" image on 17" x 22" paper

Archival pigment print from 8" x 10" negative

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$250 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by Light Factory photographer, Ahmer Inam (Desert).

Ahmer Inam

Desert

15" x 18" image on 20" x 16" paper

Archival pigment print

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$250 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by Light Factory photographer, Ahmer Inam (Mercedes Cascades, Yosemite).

Ahmer Inam

Mercedes Cascades, Yosemite

15" x 18" image on 16" x 20" paper

Archival pigment print

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$300 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from photographer William Wylie (Prairie 8).

William Wylie

Prairie 8, Raymer Co, 2012

12 1/2" x 10” archival pigment print

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$400 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed, limited-edition photograph by distinguished photographer Crista Cammaroto (Green Heart).

Crista Cammaroto

Green Heart, 2001 Edition no. 3/25

15" x 15" archival inkjet print

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$400 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by Michelle Van Parys (Overpass).





Michelle Van Parys

Overpass, 2012

13 3/4" x 17 3/8" archival pigment print

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$400 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one original signed photograph by Mark Sloan (Gynandromorph butterfly half male/half female).





Mark Sloan

Gynandromorph butterfly half male/half female, 2003, 17/20 from the book Rarest of the Rare: Stories behind the Treasures of the Harvard Museum of Natural History

9 1/2” x 12” archival pigment print

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$400 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Elizabeth Matheson (Tarboro).

Elizabeth Matheson

Tarboro, 2006

18” x 18” archival pigment photograph

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$400 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Elizabeth Matheson (Viareggio).

Elizabeth Matheson

Viareggio, 2001

18” x 18” archival pigment photograph

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$500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Elizabeth Matheson (Fiesole).

Elizabeth Matheson

Fiesole, 2008

18” x 18” inches

Archival pigment photograph

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$500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Raymond Grubb (Richelieu).

Raymond Grubb

Richelieu, 2003

11" x 8" image on 14" x 11" paper

Platinum palladium print

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$500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Pinky Bass (Ecstay of St. Teresa).

Pinky/MM Bass

Ecstasy of St. Teresa, 1989

11.5” x 9” image on 19” x 13” paper

Archival pigment print

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$500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Tim Buchman (Pantheon).

Tim Buchman

Pantheon, Rome, 2003

21.5” x 26.5” archival pigment print

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$500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed photograph from renowned photographer Pinky/MM Bass (Rhea).

Pinky/MM Bass

Rhea

13.6" x 11" image on 19" x 13" paper

Archival pigment photograph

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$1,000 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed, limited edition photograph by Sam Wang (Place of Cathedrals).

Sam Wang

Place of Cathedrals, 2013

20” x 22” archival K3 print from custom 4” x 5” camera

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$1,000 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and a signed limited edition photograph from acclaimed photographer Alida Fish (Floating Flower).

Alida Fish

Floating Flower, 2012

Edition no. 2/5

10” x 8 ½” archival pigment print

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$1,200 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one signed limited edition photograph by National SPE Honored Educator, Susan kae Grant (Balance).

Susan kae Grant

Balance, 2009

Edition no. 4/25

Archival Ink jet on Hannemuhle Photo Rag

19.5 x 27.25” image on 23” x 31” paper

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$1,200 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and one signed limited edition photograph by Guggenheim Fellow, Deborah Luster (Walnuts).

Deborah Luster

Walnuts, AP

18" x 18" archival pigment photograph

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$1,500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Membership and a signed limited edition photograph by former Light Factory Director, Linda Foard Roberts (Flags).

Linda Foard Roberts

Flags, 2009

28” x 36”

Edition AP

Archival pigment print

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$1,500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Membership and a signed limited edition photograph by acclaimed author and MacArthur Fellow Deborah Willis (Waiting II, From the Bodybuilders Series).

Deborah Willis

Waiting II, From the Bodybuilders Series, 2011

18” x 22” archival pigment print

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$2,500 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Membership and a signed limited edition photograph by former Light Factory Director, Linda Foard Roberts (Besieged).

Linda Foard Roberts

Besieged, 2003

Edition AP

36” x 28” archival pigment print

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$4,000 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and an original signed photograph by internationally recognized artist Jerry Uelsmann (Untitled).

Jerry Uelsmann

Untitled, 1992

14” x 11” gelatin silver print

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$5,000 Reward

Receive a one year Light Factory Individual Membership and an original signed photograph by internationally recognized artist Maggie Taylor (Reluctant Optimist).

Maggie Taylor

Reluctant Optimist, 2013

Edition no. 1/10

22” x 22” image on 24” x 26” paper

Archival Inkjet print

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$10,000 Reward

Pledge $10,000 and we will be deeply grateful for your generosity and will give you a ten year Light Factory Membership and the opportunity to name one of our galleries for a year. This will be publicized in all information regarding The Light Factory, including exhibition announcements, our newsletter, website, blog, and all press releases.

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