Photo Opp: Making Photography Accessible to All 

Feature image: “From Our Streets” Opening. Images courtesy of Photo Opp.

By Rachel Hausmann Schall

Nestled within a residential area in Appleton, Wisconsin, Photo Opp is a gallery and community space focused on photography. It functions as a collaborative workspace that provides opportunities for residents of the Fox Cities to learn about photography, darkroom processing, printing, lighting, and more. Co-founders John Adams, Graham Washatka, and Mark Ferrell share a collective vision to educate audiences and create opportunities for career development by connecting individuals through the lens of a camera.

Photo Opp co-founders injected new life into a synagogue built in 1922 by renovating the large space – taking out drop ceilings, refinishing wood floors, installing electrical, and updating the building’s duct work. While the contemporary facelift of the building created a distinctive and contemporary gallery setting on the main floor, the founders were sure to keep some of the structure’s old charm. The outdoor facade still resembles an entrance to a church, but the contemporary signage with high contrast minimal lines indicate the new artistic energy brimming within. Certain areas inside celebrate the building’s history, complete with worn out brick or concrete and a raw, unfinished feeling. The once altar space acts as a focal point in the gallery, calling attention to the now high ceilings, which are accentuated by brightly painted pastel pink arches. This design complements the gallery’s sleek, modernized look. Church pews line the gallery walls, creating a truly unique place for people to experience art.

The space operates as a non-profit, and has a healthy roster of volunteers who assist with gallery sitting, workshops, and events. From Our Streets was Photo Opp’s first exhibition – it featured Wisconsin-based photographers and was part of their grand opening celebration in fall 2024. In addition to hosting exhibitions and events upstairs, Photo Opp’s lower level is equipped with an art library, a darkroom, six enlarging bays, various backdrops, and plenty of equipment, supplies, and space for community members to gather, listen, and learn about photography and the importance of visual arts. 

After the only film lab in the Fox Valley area closed, John Adams and other Photo Opp co-founders saw the need for photography and film resources in Appleton and the region. By making photography accessible to all individuals through educational and outreach opportunities, Photo Opp manages partnerships with local community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and visits local classrooms to offer expertise about photo and video processes.They also offer workshops and classes that teach audiences how to shoot, develop, and print 35mm film photographs. Photo Opp provides after school learning opportunities for students, and facilitates a mentorship program between professional photographers and students. Photo walks and community film development nights have been popular with audiences as well. Participants are invited to bring film rolls that need to be developed and learn the process of loading reels and prepping film with chemicals.

Co-founder John Adams says, “We are building a community that’s inclusive and we want to be a resource for people by giving them the opportunity to learn with a camera.”  

Visit www.thephotoopp.org to learn more and connect on Instagram at @the.photo_opp.

Photo Opp is published in Vol 38. Purchase a copy here.

---

Rachel Hausmann Schall (she/her) is a born and raised midwestern artist, writer, and educator living and working in central Wisconsin. She received her BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) in 2015 and has exhibited nationally at a variety of museums, galleries, and artist-run spaces. Rachel has contributed writing to several arts publications and is co-organizer of the Grilled Cheese Grant, an artist-run project that raises funds for emerging artists in Wisconsin. Rachel Hausmann Schall also works as the Artist Residency & Adult Program Manager at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin.