About

February 2010

Keyhole Gallery is a virtual gathering of like-minded artists who appreciate the nude.  We offer opportunity for collaborative expression. Virtual showcasing. We are artists who are continuing to become.

It began here:

My name is Karen Hanrahan and I am the founder of Keyhole Gallery.

In July 2010 I spoke on a panel as a photographer at Eaton Gallery.

I was asked to speak by invitation of the gallery owner. She asked me because of my photography portfolio images posted on Facebook.  I was flattered to say the least.

The panel was asked to speak to the theme “gathering”.

I shared macro images of vegetables, flowers and items from my home. In my mind, nature, health and hearth are the epitome of gather.

To date my photography had been a hobby, or as I shared that evening, the works of a closet creative. Someone not out of the closet as a photographer just yet!

Not having the funds to go crazy with fancy matting and frames I simply printed a small assortment of 5 x 7 images and stuck them in of all things  – plastic sheet protectors.

ugh – i know unprofessional.

it was all I could think of at that time.

The gathering discussion was very well attended.  The support and encouragement from those in attendance for my work was just remarkable, and to my surprise I sold my very first photograph!!

After that event I asked for a sitting with the gallery owner, and shared my other closet creativity — my nude photography

She absolutely loved my work …

AND

she said you are onto something here….

well

these past months since have been a bit of a whirl

as things solidify I will share

Update – September 2010 –

It was suggested that I facilitate a Photographers Salon.  The purpose of a salon is to gather like-minded for the purpose of discussion and exploration. The genre, the artful nude, has not been represented in this artist community. I got pretty jazzed by the idea and thought why not – let’s do this thing!! Our first salon was held in August!

Update – November 2010 –

The truth is I wanted to share my artful nude work but didn’t feel I could alone. Having others with me completely shifted my confidence around that. The artists I am working with have found they are producing work they have never would have created otherwise. It’s intoxicating to be a part of.

Update – October 2011 

Here we are a year later, it’s been transient with some photographers with us barely a moment and others tried and true. We are launching a do it yourself series these next few months. Hope to attract some new photographers and enrich our learning experiences.