Mary Virginia Swanson is an innovator, educator, author, advisor and entrepreneur in the field of photography. Ms. Swanson counts among her consulting clients internationally known artists and respected arts organizations. Unique among advisors in our field, her broad background and professional reputation offers a broad range of perspectives on both the making and marketing of art.
After receiving her MFA in Photography (Arizona State University, 1979) she directed educational programs for The Friends of Photography including the Ansel Adams Workshop, headed special projects at Magnum Photos, established a summer educational institute at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and in 1991 founded SWANSTOCK, an innovative photo agency that managed licensing rights for fine art photographers. During her career she has coordinated educational, exhibition and publication programs for a wide range of institutions and organizations. Her seminars, workshops and lectures on trends and opportunities in photography have aided countless photographers in moving their careers to the next level.
Ms. Swanson was the 2013 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Griffin Museum of Photography 8th Annual FOCUS Awards. In 2014 she received the Susan Carr Award for Education from ASMP, an award named in honor of Susan Carr (1963-2012), a former ASMP President, Director of Education and strong advocate for industry awareness. She continues to be sought-after as a mentor to emerging and established artists, helping them navigate our changing industry.
Duke Mfaeda