This past Saturday, The Kiernan Gallery, the owner of Don't Take Pictures, hosted an in-studio pop-up salon and garden party for Charlottesville photographer John Grant. Twice per year The Kiernan Gallery converts and artist’s studio into a gallery of their work for a one-night celebration of their art. The goal is to combine the energy of an opening reception, the excitement of meeting the artist, a behind-the-scenes look at their workspace, and a first-hand look at how the work was made. More importantly, these events help build a collecting community for that artist in their own area.

Best known for his botanical work, Grant's studio opens onto his garden, where he finds many of his subjects. His newest works are large scale prints on silk. Though works-in-progress, the response to these delicate pieces that floated in the breeze was overwhelmingly positive.

Inside the studio, Grant demonstrated his color transfer process. The process involves transferring a digital image from a transparency print onto Yuppa paper or aluminum. Grant's hand manipulation of the chemicals involved in the transfer create unique textures and imperfections resulting in a one-of-a-kind photograph.

Photographs were purchased as new and returning audiences engaged with Grant’s work. The result was an enjoyable experience that had everyone talking about the possibilities of photography.