For years we have recommended artists to apply to Photolucida's Critical Mass (online review), and this year marked the first time jdc Fine Art was invited to review at the bi-annual portfolio review in Portland. (We represented the programming choices of both Schneider Gallery and jdc Fine Art at the review.) The Photolucida initiative is an arts nonprofit whose mission is "to provide platforms that expand, inspire, educate, & connect the regional, national & international photography community," and their aims were more than achieved. Over five days reviewers and artists met, and local galleries and museums hosted events in honor of photography and the photo-book. I could not recommend the experience more highly to reviewers or artists.

Some takeaways: for one reason or another the work of these artist's stuck with me.

Miska Draskoczy: Impact of industry on Nature, Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn

Daniel Goncalves: Gun-culture project and evolving series on Graceland

Rebecca Martinez: Nazi Reenactment

Jennifer Timmer Trail: I found you in the dark- strange and lonely images I'd like to see more of

Archana Vikram: infanticide (of female babies) in India