In June 1988, a group of eighteen photographers opened an exhibit in the old Midgley building on High street in Eugene, Oregon, and the PhotoZone Gallery was born. Of the new group's purpose, a reviewer wrote, "The primary requirement [for membership] is a dedication to photography as an expressive medium." For 15 years and 100-plus exhibits later, PhotoZone continued to provide a venue for fine photography in Eugene. The primary requirement was still dedication: in practical terms, this means not only a passion for photography, but a commitment to share in running the gallery and paying the rent.

PhotoZone Gallery - the physical space - later moved to the Lane Regional Arts-Central on W. Broadway, and lastly in the space with O'Brien Photo Enterprises on West 11th Ave until they moved. At present, we are looking for space for the gallery. The group of photographers who call themselves PhotoZone Gallery still number about eighteen.

The Group sponsors a juried show in July, which is open to anyone. Many photographic artists receive their first public exposure by entering PhotoZone's annual juried show.

PhotoZone members are as diverse as any collection of individuals - one is tempted to say unremarkable - save in their regard for the craft of photography. Elder practitioners who have mastered the the silver print process share gallery walls with alternate process enthusiasts and digital imagers. Hand-colored, airbrush, 3-D, collage, and mixed media work are all welcome here.

Susan Sontag has written that photography, by itself, is a medium, not an art. In this spirit, there is a sense of freedom of concept and expression at PhotoZone. Argue about everything, judge no one: no single view prevails.