(As published in Richmond Hill Neighbors, December 2021) - “I never thought I would open and operate an art gallery. It was never in the master plan. But when inspiration, strong marketing experience, drive and opportunity collide, I know better than to resist. In fact, I embrace it,” says Joy Dunigan, owner and director of the Photopoint Gallery in Richmond Hill. “Running and operating an art gallery has changed my approach to not only creating art, but also selling it too — not just mine, but also other local artists that need an educated voice when an interested buyer or collector expresses interest in their work.”

The Photopoint Gallery has been open for almost 8 years, 7 of which it has indulged in hosting two of Richmond Hill’s largest and most popular local art events, the Holiday Artist Collective and Arts on the Coast Annual Exhibit. It all started because Joy, and co-Owner Greg Elmgren wanted to give back to the community, especially since there was an absence of shows and exhibits being held in a dedicated art gallery setting.

Located inside Elmgren’s Garden Center, Photopoint is a small, but quaint space with big aspirations. In the beginning, all it needed was some vision, track lighting and a name.

Photopoint. The name came from a sign seen on Pine Island, located just behind Wassaw Island. “I was tramping through the island on one of our many weekend trips and found these signs that simply said ‘PHOTOPOINT,’ followed by a number. I was immediately intrigued, and knew right then that if I ever opened an art gallery or studio that would be the name,” said Dunigan.

Interestingly enough, these signs are used for photopoint monitoring. This is the process of taking photos at the same geographic location to see how the landscape and vegetation is changing over time. It helps land managers make decisions for environmental planning, management and restoration purposes.

“I love that concept and it resonates so strongly with me as an artist and my fine art photography. I return to many of the same places time and time again, especially places on our barrier islands just to see how it has changed, how it is different from the last time I was there. Typically I find that a tree has fallen, that waterways have chosen new paths, or the earth, in its actual, physical state has moved completely. It’s wonderful!”

Dunigan has been fortunate to spend time with naturalists while on the islands, and they refer to them as dynamically stable. Always changing, always shifting. “That really inspires me as an artist, and honestly, I don’t know any artist that has been to those islands, that has not been affected in the exact same way.”

Dunigan’s predominantly black and white photography of Georgia’s unique barrier islands and areas can be found exclusively at the Photopoint and Arts on the Coast Galleries in Richmond Hill, and at the Kobo Gallery just off Ellis Square in downtown Savannah. Follow Joy and her work on Facebook @Joy Dunigan Artist, on Instagram @joydunigan, or visit her website, www.joydunigan.com.