CATHERINE J. ALSTON

Catherine J. Alston, an Atlanta native, is a self-taught photographer, constantly sharpening her photographic skills in the ever-changing and never ending school of life .

Catherine initially studied photography at The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She has since studied various techniques of photography including the film medium to today’s digital application. In addition to studying at The Callanwolde Art Center, she has also studied at Georgia State University where she has recieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.

A professional photographer with  more than 25 years experience, Ms. Alston’s creative and artistic eye often lends itself to taking pictures of people in their own unique environments. Her style is reflected through her subjects in fine-art photography, portraiture, event, documentary, nature, and studio photography.

Catherine feels that “The camera records timeless memories and captures the essence of the person and the happening. Without those timeless memories we soon forget. It is essential to look back, reflect and leave something behind for history”. Ms. Alston utilizes the camera as her instrument of choice that allows her to capture a given moment on a photographic canvas expressing the soul of that very moment.

Ms. Alston’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries in the Atlanta area: Hammonds House Galleries and Resource Center, the City Gallery and Mason Murer Gallery, Auburn Avenue Research Library, Spelman College, Georgia State University, Dekalb Perimeter College, National Black Arts Festival, The Central Public Library Margaret Mitchell Square, Temple Gallery-Dekalb Arts Council and throughout the state of Georgia via her dedicated 14-year membership with “Sistagraphy”- an African-American Women’s photography Collective founded locally in Atlanta in 1993.

Catherine has been a board member as well as currently Executive Director of “Sistagraphy”. She has been an active member since 1994 and is one of the founding members of the organization.
           
Catherine’s charge is to lead Sistagraphy to challenge and promote the growth and artistic development of the membership’s continious exhibition. She plans to create and explore, a dynamic photographic arts dialogue; thus, bringing attention to social issues that affect communities on a local and national level.

In addition to exhibiting her work in various galleries and museums, Catherine has also exhibited her work for social and community causes, as well as published some of her more popular pieces in a Sistagraphy collective.

Catherine is the proud mother of two young adult children, Cambridge and Nichelle.