The Studio Shop Experience
Brandon Beatson, Photographer, 1980 – 2013
In tribute to young photographer Brandon Beatson, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 33, the Studio Shop will host a photography exhibition and fundraiser this Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2PM. Brandon was living in Costa Rica and pursuing his dream of photographing nature and surf action shots. (view Brandon’s images) As a result of this heartbreaking tragedy we have had the great opportunity to work closely with Brandon’s parents and friends to produce an exhibition which honors Brandon’s photography and raises funds for charities he felt deeply about.
Upon hearing the news of Brandon’s death our hearts broke for Brandon’s parents, David and Diana, his younger brother, Brian and his family and friends. It is way too sad when someone dies too young, before the chance to live a full adult life. What started as grief and sorrow and sadness sparked a thought of how to honor Brandon’s creativity. Why not offer the gallery as a space to exhibit Brandon’s photography? Janet mentioned the idea to Diana, who said that his friends had been thinking of holding an exhibition and were looking for a space to hold the event, so this was perfect. Sometimes when things happen easily it is for a reason.
A meeting was set-up with Brandon’s parents and we got to meet his friends, Bill, Joe, Chris, Justin and others, all wonderful, gracious people. Everyone was united in the cause of Brandon’s memory and wanted to contribute to make the event happen. There would be camera cards to sort through, discussions about printing and Brandon’s favorite charities. As an avid Giants fan and dog lover, proceeds would go to the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and the Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue.
Twenty nine thousand images later, thanks to the patience of our digital tech Ty Nguyen and the help of friends and family, Brandon’s life’s work has been curated to thirty three images that will be in the exhibition. The show is divided into several categories representing Brandon’s photographic passions, nature, sports, surfing, street photography, cityscapes and abstract.
When we started thinking about details like donation receipts, splitting proceeds to multiple charities we wondered what we got ourselves into. It would be a book-keeping nightmare to run it through the Studio Shop. Along came Larry Harper of the Good Tidings Foundation to the rescue. He offered to take care of the business side of things and distribute funds to the partnering charities. It feels great when things start falling into place and gaining momentum.
Just a few days left to go. Most of the printing is done. Even the two 24 x 36 prints came back and they look gorgeous: a landscape of sand dunes at White Sands National Monument and a beautiful surf action shot. I can’t wait to see the framed photographs on the wall. We’ll be busy this week with picture framing and typing final image lists. The art installation will happen on Saturday night, just in time for the Sunday festivities.
Stop in and see the show Sunday, Aug. 4, 2pm. Remember, all the proceeds benefit the Giants Community Fund, Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue and the Good Tidings Foundation. In loving memory of Brandon Beatson, 1980 – 2013.
The exhibition will be held at The Studio Shop, 244 Primrose Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010
For more information, call the gallery at 650-344-1378