The Society of Nashville Artistic Photographers (SNAP) has organized an auction of highly collectible photographs to benefit victims of Nashville's recent catastrophic flood. The June 4 event, named Focus on Recovery, will be 6 -10 p.m. at 201 East 17th St. (at Fatherland), in East Nashville, former site of the Plowhaus Gallery. A preview party will launch the event on June 3, 7-9 pm. All proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization with over 200 affiliates of local architects and contractors who rebuild homes for  people with disAbilities, the aging and homeowners affected by natural disasters.

Photographers donating prints include: Herman Leonard, Baron Wolman, John Guider, Jim McGuire, Fred Clarke, Michel Leroy, Mark Boughton, John Baeder, Raeanne Rubenstein, Jerry Atnip, Jack Spencer, Norman McBurney, Stacey Irvin, Barry A. Noland, Teresa M. Sims, Judy Kuniansky, Nicholas Dantona, Pierre Vreyen, Kay Ramming, Rebekah Pope, and many other noted members of SNAP.

As Nashville continues to understand the breath of the devastation, local groups are emerging with creative ways to provide assistance to the many residents affected by the floodwaters. And SNAP is no exception. SNAP president, Eric Denton, challenged SNAP's roster of 200 members and many other noted photographers. Mr. Denton stated: “We want to respond to this crisis and we believe that putting our images up for auction to raise money for the victims is our best way to participate.” Denton noted that the images for auction are not necessarily from or about the flood, but, rather, some of the most marketable images from the photographers’ personal works and editions.

Wendy Whittemore, former SNAP president and event organizer said: “The Nashville community has always shown a commitment to supporting its local artists and this is our way of reciprocating. The auction will provide an array of incredible photography available at auction-level prices. We’re confident everyone will benefit. All purchases are tax-deductible.

Dallas Caudle, of Smith Gee Studios–also Rebuilding Together Nashville’s local contact–commented: “We are in the process of raising $250,000 to $500,000 to rebuild 50 Homes in Nashville that were damaged by the flooding. This work will begin July 1 and will conclude around September 30. We already have sponsorship support pledged from Sears, LP Building products, and Pepsi. Our corporate sponsors will match the funds raised by SNAP’s photography auction. We are very thankful.”

Although the crisis is serious, the event will be conducted in a positive spirit to rally the community’s hearts, minds and purses. Along with some very impressive photographs, SNAP will provide music, wine, beverages and snacks.

The SNAP provides a forum for presenting and discussing member’s work in formal and informal settings. Members foster artistic growth through an open dialogue of insightful criticism and feedback. The group endorses and engages in local and regional photographic exhibitions and activities and is dedicated to inspiring photographers and promoting photographic art in Nashville.

Rebuilding Together is the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable home ownership and revitalize communities. Their network of more than 200 affiliates provides free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of low-income Americans.

Sponsors: Aerial Innovations of TN, Inc., Phillips Printing, Woodland Wine Merchant, Dury’s Photographic