Tag Archives: Ann Littlejohn
In Memoriam: Ann Littlejohn
Professional Women Photographers notes with sadness the passing of longtime member Ann Littlejohn. Ann was a active participant in PWP meetings, classes, and events, where she was friendly and helpful to all, one of the great members who make the organization tick.
Ann wasn’t partial to a single element of PWP, but supported the organization as a whole. A few years back when I was on the board, I arrived very late to the Student Awards ceremony. As I snuck in, she was the first person I met. But there was no shaming, only a warm greeting, and the moment and its grace stayed with me. She didn’t have to be there, but she was, in an odd part of town on a Sunday night, supporting young women, many of whom were seeing their work on the wall for the first time.
Other members also have fond memories:
“In the last century, exhibition opportunities kept falling into our laps, and I kept running many of them. When it came time to hang a show, there Ann would be (we must have looked like Mutt and Jeff, as I, at my tallest, was barely 5 feet), the first to arrive to help and the last to leave. We never knew each other deeply. Our lives followed such different paths, and we were both rather reserved, but Ann was one of my longest connections with PWP. “ – Myrna Harrison-Changar“Ann was an intrepid adventurer. I loved her Alaska images of a mama bear and her cubs fishing in the river. Ann was in a group nearby in something no more substantial than a row boat. She was up for any adventure…. Now I am saddened to learn she and her spirit of adventure are no longer here to infect us in such a positive way. I will miss her greatly.” – Joan Lappin
“So sorry to learn the passing of my good friend Ann. In 1998, I organized a trip to India in coordination with a solo exhibit I had in Bombay. Ann and two other friends joined me for a two week trip through Rajasthan, and we attended a camel fair. We also hired a company to ride camels for several days through the desert and camp. We shared the most colorful stories during those few days. Ann was always up for adventures and we experienced good and bad times such as the slashing of Ann’s camera bag for access to her equipment or a stone being thrown at me for taking pictures during a religious event in Jaipur. We sang with our young crew through the desert and Ann loved it. Ann was also a superb photographer and had many friends on Fire Island. She loved that place and talked very fondly about it. Ann was involved with PWP and attended many meetings for years. She slowed down during her husband’s sickness. I will miss her dearly. Ann, may your rest in peace!” – Catherine Steinmann
“Ann was a long-time PWP member, a wonderful photographer and a gentle person. I will miss her presence at PWP.” – Diane Smook
“It is so sad to hear of her passing. Ann remained an active member–as active as she could considering her health–until the end. She was always excited to attend meetings, show her work in as many exhibitions as were held, and generally get to know the members. I will miss her and her warm and outgoing manner.” – Jane Hoffer
“So very sad to hear of Ann passing, a long standing and truly valued member of PWP. What an amazing career she had….we celebrate her life.” – Sureita Hockley
To read more about Ann’s life and career, please visit her link on the Spear Funeral Home website.
– Catherine Kirkpatrick
PWP at PDN Photo Expo
This year, thanks to Andy Mars, Outreach Director, and PWP volunteers,* Professional Women Photographers had a presence at the PDN Photo Plus Expo at the Javits Center. Not only was it great exposure for PWP, but the non-profits were also highlighted by Jeff McQuilkin, Group Show Director, The Nielsen Photo Group, in PDN Magazine:
“…there is another great reason to€¨ attend that we don’t talk about nearly enough. At PhotoPlus we are proud €¨to partner with ten different photography-related nonprofit organizations,€¨including Rehabilitation Through Photography, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep,€¨ Photo Philanthropy, Professional Women Photographers, and many others. If €¨you missed them, or missed the show, you can find out more about these€¨ great causes by visiting the list of exhibitors at www.photoplusexpo.com. €¨The holidays are just around the corner – the season of giving back – so I €¨can’t think of a better time to take a minute to learn more about how some €¨people are using the power of photography to help those in need.”
The idea of giving back is not new to Andy. In 2006, she founded the PWP Community Service Committee which is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers. Each year, the Committee partners with a non-profit to futher its mission through photographic services. The images produced are used by the organization for publicity materials, annual reports and exhibitions. The first group the CSC partnered with was historic University Settlement House, followed by Learning Leaders, then Women In Need.
In 2010, the Community Service Committee launched its first mentoring program with children from Women In Need, and was honored with the 2010 Suzanne Pincus Commit to WIN Award for volunteer group of the year. The Community Service Committee is currently working with the Food Bank of New York.
*Special thanks to Andy’s team of PWP volunteers that included: Roxanne Abrams, Sandy Alpert, Paula Berg, Sheila Bernard, Yvonne Carella, Joann Frechette, Patricia Gilman, Leslie Granda-Hill, Jane Hoffer, Ann Littlejohn, Trish Mayo, Maddi Ring, Anne Sager, Sheila Smith, Jackie Weisberg, and Ventiko.
And special thanks to Jane Hoffer for help setting up the booth, Leslie Granda-Hill for help closing shop, and Joan Tedeschi for help shutting down and for shlepping stuff home.
We also want to thank all the PWP members who stopped by for their support.