A quarter-plate daguerreotype by Mike Robinson, purchased by Beverly and Jack Wilgus at the 2021 Symposium. Robinson at one of his daguerreotype-making workshops.

As a special free event at this year’s Daguerreian Society Symposium in Houston, daguerreian artists will gather on Friday evening, October 18, to show and discuss their work with conference attendees and any member who would like to attend.

The event, from 7 pm to 11 pm at the InterContinental Houston (Yaupon Room), will feature modern daguerreotypes created using authentic 19th-century techniques. All attendees and members are welcome to share images and bring questions. Some modern daguerreotypes will be available for purchase.

“Collectors, teachers, and historians will have a chance to talk with makers of daguerreotypes to better understand daguerreotype materials and, of course, see great modern images,” said Society President Dr. Mike Robinson, one of the organizers.

In addition to Robinson, other 21st-century artists expected to attend include Jerry Spagnoli, Ken Nelson, John Hurlock, and Grant Romer.

It has been over a decade since the Society has organized an in-person gathering like this, Robinson said.

“People new to the process will have an opportunity to discuss all aspects of modern daguerreotype making and the artistry that goes into it with experienced makers who have craft knowledge that can add to the appreciation of historic images.”

If you’re a daguerreian artist and planning to attend, please let Robinson know at mike@centurydarkroom.com. The more, the merrier!