AIPAD 2012 is in the books, and the 22 FOPers who attended may be imbibing a little extra caffeine this week after several busy days  interacting with dealers, artists and curators.

The group kicked off the long weekend on Friday morning, as Barbara Tannenbaum led a pre-opening tour of the exhibition, highlighted by a meet-and-greet with photography legend Arthur Tress. At 71, Tress remains a formidable and prolific creative force. More than twenty of Tress’ vintage prints entered the CMA collection earlier this year.

Arthur Tress on the AIPAD floor

FOP attendees enjoy Arthur Tress

Mitch Epstein discusses his recent work at Sikkema Jenkins

The group then moved downtown, meeting photographer Mitch Epstein at his gallery, Sikkema Jenkins, where Epstein walked us through his new show paying homage to iconic old growth trees in New York City. After Lunch with Epstein, the group gallery-hopped through Chelsea, ultimately weaving its way to the studio of dauguerrotype master, Jerry Spagnoli. As he talked about his process for making modern day daguerreotypes, Spagnoli also wove in the near heroic story of capturing his well known images of the Obama inauguration —  overcoming challenges to his press credentials and sub zero temperatures, transporting his huge wooden view camera down flights of stairs, over frozen tundra and through dense crowds to expose his four polished and emulsified metal plates. After our daguerreotype lesson, Jerry joined the group to take in the Stan Douglas show at David Zwirner gallery.

FOP members listen to Mitch Epstein

Mark Schwartz and daughter Sophie listen to Jerry Spagnoli

Penny Rakoff examines a recent Spagnoli daguerrotype

On Saturday morning, AIPAD sponsored a series of interviews and panel discussions. Many FOPers arrived early to hear Dutch portrait sensation, Rineke Dijkstra, and some stayed on to hear curators from MOMA, ICP and Yale discuss emerging artists. At Barbara’s invitation, lunch on the AIPAD floor included the company of several young artists including Lori Nix, Rachel Papo and Dana Miller. Rachel brought selections from her stunning portfolios on female soldiers in the Israeli army and on home-schooled families in Woodstock, New York. In the afternoon, the group was treated to a tour of the to-die-for Flatiron District flat and exquisite photography collection of investment banker and modern art blogger, Michael Hogh.

Rachel Papo presents her portfolio

During the course of the weekend, most FOPers made time to see the Cindy Sherman retrospective at MOMA and the Whitney Biennial and a wonderful show of modern Italian photography at Hunter College. Mix in a few good meals, a few good drinks, a Broadway show and a few rendezvous with old friends, and AIPAD week was a week to remember. Kudos to Curator and fearless leader, Barbara Tannenbaum, for coordinating such a rich string of photog events.

Cindy Sherman, Untitled

Where, in the course of a single weekend, can a lover of photography:

• Peruse thousands of prints presented by more than 75 of the nation’s leading  photog dealers, all under one roof;
• Watch and listen as Jennifer Blessing, photog curator for the Guggenheim, interviews famed Dutch portrait photographer Rineke Dijkstra, just as Dijkstra’s mid-career retrospective launches at SF MOMA before heading to the Guggenheim this summer;
• Examine Cindy Sherman’s first career retrospective in fifteen years, as it opens at MOMA;
• Travel downtown to Sikkema Jenkins Gallery in Chelsea, where Mitch Epstein will provide FOPers with a private tour of his new show then join us for further discussion over lunch;
• Hear panel discussions on emerging artists, strategies for collectors and contemporary Italian photography;
• Join fellow FOPers and CMA photo curator Barbara Tannenbaum on a tour of a private NY collection and/or artist studio;
• Tour the conference floor with Barbara, enjoying pre-arranged meetings/discussions with select artists;
• Attend the Whitney Biennial and Perspectives 2012 at ICP.

Rineke Dijkstra, Hilton Head Island, S.C., USA, June 24, 1992

Still have slots open on your dance card? Photography exhibits abound in both museums and galleries during AIPAD week. And when you can’t look at another photograph? – you can always fall back on great restaurants, a Broadway show and endless shopping. Air fares are manageable. And even NY offers some reasonably priced hotels (try jetsetter.com).

THIS IS THE YEAR. MARK YOUR CALENDAR. Join FOP at AIPAD 2012 in NYC, March 29 – April 1 (FOP events on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31).

For more information call Meghan Olis, Affiliate group Coordinator (216-707-2579), Barbara Tannenbaum CMA Curator of Photography (216-707-2402), or Neil Viny, FOP President (216-447-0070).