Benham Gallery closes, but owner's commitment to art will continue

In 1987 the young and somewhat naïve but highly motivated Marita Holdaway opened Benham Gallery. Her passion was photography, and she was convinced that hard work, study and a bit of luck would lead to her success.

With no formal training in business or photography, she was in over her head, but that wasn't going to stop her. She had read Ansel Adams' autobiography, was challenged by his belief that more photography galleries were needed, and was determined to create one.

Now, more than 500 exhibits later, having launched a number of careers, strengthened others and taken a big role in expanding an audience for photographic arts, she's closing the physical gallery as she expands her presence on the Internet with Benham Fine Arts (www.benhamgallery.com).

"Photos can be understood by everyone. They are the easiest way to get people interested in the arts," she believes. And that's one reason she does what she can to help serious artists make photography their career.

She commits to these artists for a number of years and helps them build an audience. She's given a jump-start to the careers of such Seattle photographers as Phil Borges, who documents culturally endangered indigenous people, and Peggy Washburn, who creates mythical and almost surreal images of children.

Jock Sturges was already famous for his sensitive nudes when Holdaway began representing him. Their alliance has extended his success. So has her connection with Granite Falls photographer Bruce Barnbaum, whose poetic landscapes remind her of the work of Ansel Adams.

As Holdaway leaves the confines of her gallery for the expansive virtual world, she'll be able to spend more time consulting with emerging artists and arts organizations of all sorts. Public service has been an essential element in her life, and she's been involved in the creation of a number of local groups that mentor young people, support the environment and provide career guidance to fledgling artists.

Though the gallery won't be in downtown after Dec. 24, Benham Fine Art's impact on photography will continue.

Nancy Worssam: nworssam@earthlink.net