OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHER ȘTEFAN TÓTH ISTVÁN AFIAP IN UJHOROD (UA).

The FIAP Exhibition Center Uzhhorod - Ukraine, located in the Medieval Fortress of the locality, managed by the Association of Photographic Artists from "Transcarpathia", prepared for the visiting public in partnership with the Regional Museum "Lehoczky Tivadar", from the Medieval Fortress a new photographic art exhibition. A selection of 50 black-and-white and color photographs were installed on the walls of the first hall of the well-known Gallery, made up of the works of the Oradean photographer Ștefan Tóth István AFIAP entitled “Surprised moments”. The second room hosted the exhibition of EFIAP photographer Oleg Kutskiy from Odessa (Ukraine). The exhibition of the photographer from Oradea was organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of his birth and 50 years of artistic activity. The personal exhibition presents artistic photographs created in the three stages of the development of photographic art: analog, digital and smart phones. The opening of the exhibition, organized under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art, took place on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 15:00, in the presence of officials, the representative of the Consulate General of Hungary in Uzhhorod, the author, his family members and a public numbers. The audience was greeted by the director of the Royal Museum of History, "Lehoczky Tivadar" Mihalko Delehan, who appreciated the importance of organizing photographic art exhibitions in the FIAP Exhibition Center within the Museum. Ujhorod Deputy Mayor Vasyl Homonay presented to photographer photographer Ștefan Tóth István AFIAP Certificate of Excellence of Ujhorod City Hall in gratitude for his contribution to strengthening the collaboration between the two organizations in Ukraine and Romania and for organizing the exhibition in the two cities. The President of the Department of Culture of the "Transcarpathian" Region Yevhen Tyschuk welcomed this opening and the presence of hungarian photographers artist from Romania and Ukraine. The representative of the Hungarian Consulate in Uzhhorod, Consul Albertné Simon Edina appreciated the presence in Uzhhorod of the Oradea photographer Ștefan Tóth István AFIAP and the artistic level of the exhibits. Photographer Norba Volodimyr, director of FIAP EC Uzhorod - Ukraine, highlighted the good existing collaboration relations with photographers between Ukraine and Romania and presented the future projects to be carried out with the International Association "Euro Photo Art". The artistic moments of the opening were provided by the vocal group "Rozmariya" from Uzhhorod, who performed folk songs from the Ukrainian repertoire and by Gergely Tamás from Botfalva (Bátfa) who performed traditional Hungarian folk songs on accordion and vocals. The event was broadcast online on the Association's facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuroFotoArtAsociatieInternationala/ The exhibition entitled "Surprised moments" will remain available to the visiting public until 15.10.2021, and can be visited from Tuesday until Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. The exhibited images can also be admired on the Association's website: https://www.eurofotoart.com/efa-exbhibitions-halls/fiap-exhibition-center-oradea/

A year of remarkable accomplishments !

The “Euro Foto Art” Association of Oradea ended the year 2015 with remarkable accomplishments. Among the top events are the three International Festivals, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. In this context, the third edition of the International Photo Festival was inaugurated on the 10^th of January at the Medieval Fortress of Ujhorod (Ukraine). The guests of honour of the Festival were the fine-art photographers of Ukraine. The opening ceremony of the Festival was attended by the Consul Judit Bőcs, representing the Consulate General of Hungary in Ujhorod, who welcomed the idea of organising the International Festival. The President of the Association of the Fine-Art Photographers of Transcarpathia, having its main office in Ujgorod, Mr. Norba Volodimir, underlined the importance of the partnership concluded with the ”Euro Foto Art” Association, which allowed the organisation of the exhibition made of digitised photos belonging to the well-known photographer Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly. The fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of ”Euro Foto Art” Association and director of the international festival, who also attended the event, thanked the board of Uzhgorod Fortress and the Association of Fine-Art Photographers of Transcarpathia for the conditions provided for the opening ceremony of the festival, as well as for the organisation of the exhibition. During the event, the documentary film realized by the Hungarian section of TVR about Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly was shown. During the International Festival, more than 30 exhibitions of photographic art were officially opened in different Galleries of Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary and the documentary film was screened in several galleries in various European countries. The closing ceremony of the International Festival took place on the 10^th of February 2015, at the Art Museum of Chernivtsi (UA), in the presence of Mrs. Eleonora Moldovan, Consul General of Romania in Chernivtsi. The audience of the event was greeted by Mrs. Valentina Lubkivska, director of the Art Museum of Chernivtsi, who appreciated the wonderful relationships with “Euro Foto Art” Association, which allowed the opening in the halls of the institutions of several excellent exhibitions. The Consul General of Romania praised the importance of the links between the Romanian and Ukrainian fine-art photographers and expressed her approval of the initiatives and the noteworthy activity of the fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of the well-known European Association, who travelled to Chernivtsi many times in order to honour with his presence the organised events. The art critic Albert Komari underlined in his speech the extensiveness of the International Photo Festival ”Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly” and the joy of organizing in Chernivtsi its closing ceremony. The 4^th edition of the European Photo Festival started on the 9^th of May 2015, in the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery of Oradea, organised by ”Euro Foto Art” Association, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. The international festival, organised with the support of the European Commission Office in Romania and of the European Parliament Information Office in Romania, started with the opening and the award-giving ceremony of the ”Eurofotoart” 2015 International Salon, organised by ”Euro Foto Art” Association, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and of Bihor County Council. The opening of the 7^th edition of the International Salon, dedicated to the Day of Europe, took place on Saturday, the 9^th of May 2015, at 11 o’clock, in the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery of Oradea, in the presence of Bihor County Council representative, Mr. Horia Carţis - chief of staff -, of fine-art photographers and of photography lovers of Oradea. During the International Festival, 27 exhibitions were inaugurated in different Galleries of Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary. The closing ceremony of the Festival took place on the 30^th of May 2015, at 6 o’clock p.m., at the House of Culture in Gura Humorului, in the presence of the fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of ”Euro Foto Art” Association and director of the festival. The Chinese Photo Festival in Romania, dedicated to the celebration of the National Day of China, reached its 3^rd edition and started on the 28^th of September 2015, at 7 o’clock p.m. at the National Library of Romania, with the participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in Romania, HE Xu Felhong and of Mr. Yan Jianwu, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs of the Embassy. The Ministry of Culture was represented by Mr. Bogdan Stanoevici, Secretary of State, and the Romanian Cultural Institute of Beijing was represented by Mr. Constantin Lupeanu, its director. The inauguration was also attended by University Professor PhD Cristescu Ilie – the president of the China-Romania Friendship Association, Caras-Severin branch and by the fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of ”Euro Foto Art” Association. During the ceremony, the fine-art photography exhibition “Terra Color” was inaugurated, an exhibition comprising 150 colour and black-and-white photos taken by notable Romanian and Chinese fine-art photographers. During the festival, 18 Chinese exhibitions were inaugurated in different Galleries of Aleşd, Baia Mare, Bucureşti, Carei, Cluj Napoca, Galaţi, Oradea, Slatina (Olt) and Suceava. The closing ceremony of the Festival took place in the aula magna of the ”Lower Danube” University of Galați, in the presence of the fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of ”Euro Foto Art” Association and director of the festival. Another noteworthy achievement of the year 2015 is the anniversary of 25 years of existence of the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery. In the only permanent photography gallery of Romania, over 500 exhibitions of photographers from all over the world were opened since its establishment. In May 2015, the new ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery was inaugurated at ”Crișana” Hotel of Băile Felix. A great accomplishment was the organisation of the representative exhibition of the members of ”Euro Foto Art” Association, with the suuport of the partner Organisation, China Network Online, as well as its opening in Macau and in the city of Shenzen (in the far-away China). The photo exhibition comprising the works of women photographers from the 31 partner organisations from Europe and Asia (celebrating the International Women’s Day) and the yearly exhibition opened on the 18^th of December 2015 in the “Euro Foto Art” Gallery, which will be itinerated and opened in various Galleries of Europe and Asia also has a great success. Another notable achievement was the organization, within the Festival “Autumn in Voroneţ”, in Gura Humorului, of the Film, Diaporama and Photography Festival, by the local City Hall and the House of Culture. Under the protocol concluded with the organisers, ”Euro Foto Art” Association was the coordinating partner of the photographic art exhibitional events. In this context, 20 fine-art photographers belonging to the partner organisations of the International Association, from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Hungary, could take part freely in this exceptional cultural event. As a part of the National Project for Presenting the nationalities living in Romania, the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery hosted, on the 8^th of April 2015, the inauguration of the National Salon of Photographic Art entitled ”The Roma Communities of Romania”. At the beginning of December 2015, the inauguration of the Exhibition of Romanian and Chinese fine-art photographers entitled ”Romania and Picturesque China” was held at the Romanian Cultural Institute of Beijing. Thanks to the support of the Institute, the fine-art photographers Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president and Ovi D. Pop AFIAP, director of the Patronage department of the well-known International Association, were able to take part in the event. Two printed catalogues were edited by the ”Euro Foto Art” Publishing House, authorised by the National Library of Romania: ”Euro Foto Art Gallery 1990-2015” and ”Expo Art Foto – Gura Humorului”, as well as 3 digital catalogues: ”Euro Foto Art”, ”The Roma Community in Romania” and ”Objects Handmade by People Deprived of Freedom” (edited in cooperation with the National Administration of Penitentiaries). In 2015, the International Association granted 30 patronages to representative fine-art photography exhibitions inaugurated in various European and Chinese cities (Macau and Shenzen). Last year, the most representative fine-art photographers: Viorel Simionescu EFIAP (Canada), Kelen Francisc of Arad and Victor Boldîr EFIAP (Post mortem) of Craiova were awarded the Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly golden medals, for lifetime achievements, numbered and registered as trademark with the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks. Last year, “Euro Foto Art” Association obtained the status of the unique regional member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) in the world and was able to offer to its members free participation to the FIAP Clubs’ World Cup, where the collection of the “Euro Foto Art” Association occupied a praiseworthy place. The number of Associations and Photoclubs which became partners of the “Euro Foto Art” Association is now 31. Among these there are representative organizations of the Czech Republic, China, the Russian Federation, Japan, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary and Ukraine. In 2015, the number of our members – creators and supporters – increased and is now above 300. Among them there are the most famous fine-art photographers of England, the United States of America, Ireland, Spain, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary. The main drawback of 2015 is the rejection by the Ministry of Culture of the application made by “Euro Foto Art” Association in order to obtain the status of Organization of Public Usefulness.The application had received a favourable opinion from the General Secretariat of the Government of Romania, but was rejected because the International Association did not have staff provided with Employment Record Book. Thus, the application was not completed, in spite of the remarkable results obtained by the International Association, on a national and international level. It is regrettable that in compliance with the latest regulations, this issue has become more important than the achievements…!

Friendly visit to Arad

The organizing of the first edition of the Senior Photographers’ Salon has given the opportunity to gather and present the works of famous Romanian photographers. The opening of the  salon was expected by many exhibiting photographers. One of them was the Arad-based photographer Kelen Ferenc EFIAP, honorary member of the “Euro Foto Art” Association, who, due to unforeseen health issues, could not honour the invitation. After a successful heart surgery, the photographer was paid a visit by Mr Ștefan Tóth AFIAP - president of the Euro Foto Art Association, on the 6^th of November, at his residence. With this occasion, Mr. Kelen Ferenc EFIAP has given Mr Tóth a Diploma of Excellency. As he stated, this distinction should have been given at the exhibition. It was presented to him for the 40 years of continuous activity in promoting national and international photographic art. He also appreciated the good collaboration he had with Mr Ștefan Toth, his personal example of labour, his honour and correctness. As a sign of gratitude and respect for all that Mr Ștefan Tóth AFIAP has done, this Diploma of Excellency has been given to him on the 6^th of November 2015, by Kelen Ferenc EFIAP. At the end of the meeting, Mr Ferenc Kelem said with great sadness that no members of the Pro Arad Photo Club (of which he is a honorary member) have visited him after his surgery.

Thanks from the heart.

I chose to use this modern way of communicating to specially thank you for your attention and care - which is already legendary - and for the history of inter-human and artistic relations of which you have convinced us during all these years. Thousands of thanks for the “Euro Foto Art” Oradea-Romania elegant and consistent catalogue and the friendly dedication. I am honored to be in the possession of a Anniversary Placket, although I have not been besides you lately. Other thanks! It is unbelievable how 25 years have passed. Beautifully said and written “ a quarter century of beauty”… and I would add: lots of labor, patience, perseverance from a distinguished and passionate artist, friend and colleague with so many other friends in the field of work and not only. Master, you have shown us that true spirits can exist in any period of society. The words of Vasile Pârvan suit you perfectly: “Our ability to live with the soul of another is the only human value”. Your photographic journey highlights during this artistic celebration, the contribution of those passionate about this wonderful art, which I want to believe that will have fresh discoveries. The real photography school, which had and still has teachers such as you, lives in a permanent state of progress. The masters and disciples cannot avoid the meetings at the Initiation table, the study to be able to savor from the richness of photographic images, the fruit of creations in time. I admire and congratulate you for all that you have done, and especially for the parenthesis that follows your name (volunteer). It is a creed that many young apprentices could continue or all those that are waiting… the drops of Heaven! I express my belief, which I hope you share, that the professional photographer recognizes the passion to which he has dedicated his days and nights, has more to show with every secret it reveals. I leave you in good thoughts, lots of health, peace and wish you many more satisfactions in your job! Because photography is a powerful way of expression, which has the power to do good and bring understanding… With lots of love, Nicolae Bucur (Miercurea Ciuc)

 The prizes of the “Eurofotoart” International Salon 2015

Recently the judging process for the images sent to the International “Eurofotoart” Salon has ended. This event has been organized by the “Euro Foto Art” Association, with the support of the European Commission’s Representation in Romania and the European Parliament Information Bureau in Romania, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Bihor County Council. For the VII edition of the International Salon, photographers from 14 European countries, the USA, Japan and China have sent a number of 2072 images. The international jury has been made up of famous photographers: Georg S.Holzmann E.FIAP, Hon E.FIAP (Germany) – president of the jury, Viorel Simionescu EFIAP (Canada), Kiss Imre AFIAP (Hungary), Oltean Marcel AFIAP (Romania) şi Both Gyula AFIAP (Romania), together they have analyzed the photographs, via internet, without knowing the name of the authors. A number of 186 images taken in Europe have been accepted for the salon (images that have had an average mark of 7) and the most valuable ones have been awarded prizes.The gold medals “Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly” have been awarded to photographers Adrian Petrişor from Romania (section A), Perini Valerio EFIAP from Italy (section B), Kerekes István EFIAPp from Ungaria (section C) and Lazar Ioan Ovidiu from Romania (section D). Silver medals have been awarded to: Tudosescu Gabriel from Romania (section A), Ovi D. Pop from Romania (section B), Tudosescu Gabriel from Romania (section C) şi Aelenei Robert Cătălin from Spain (section D). Bronze medals went to: Tudosescu Gabriel from Romania (section A), Fudulu Cătălin AFIAP from Romania (section B), Kerekes István EFIAPp from Hungary (section C) şi Zsolt András from Romania (section D). The crystal trophy of the International Salon went to Tudosescu Gabriel from Bucharest (member of the Euro Foto Art Association) – he has obtained the most awards and had the greatest number of works accepted in this international salon.With this opportunity, 24 “Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly” plackets for the 4 sections have been awarded to photographers from Germany, Italy, Spain, Romania, Hungary and Ukraine. Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, the president of the international association and director of the festival has stated that “this Salon has been the first of its kind in Europe, being organized for photographers with “high expectations”, as an quality alternative to other salons organized under different patronages”. The president also appreciated that although the rules for this event have been sent with a great delay.Never have we seen such a great participation from Romanian photographers, in quantity and quality. The opening of the International Salon – dedicated to Europe’s Day – will take place on May 9 2015, on a Saturday, at 11:00, in the “Euro Foto Art” Gallery from Oradea (1 Decembrie Square no. 12) and, with the support of “Transilvania Tour” SA Băile Felix, at 12:30 in the new “Euro Foto Art” Gallery in the “Crișana” Hotel.

The success of the members in the National Salon “Roma in Romania”

The art photographers from the “Euro Foto Art” Association have taken part with great successes in the National Salon “Roma in Romania”, organized by the International Organization, based in Oradea. The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. At this important National Salon, members of the “Euro Foto Art” Association obtained several prizes and plaques offered by the organizers. Thus, the two gold medals „Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly went to Păunaş Nicoleta Cristina from Târgovişte / for the monochrome section, and to Barcsa Sandor from Balc (Bihor) for the color section. One of the silver medals was awarded to Cristel Bogdan from Bucharest, in the color section. Members of the “Euro Foto Art” Association obtained 6 out of the 12 plaques offered: Păunaş Nicoleta Cristina (Târgovişte), Barcsa Sándor (Balc - Bihor), Cristel Bogdan (Bucharest), Gabor Ovidiu Bogdan George (Oradea), Ovi D. Pop (Oradea) and Talpoş Gheorghe (Oradea). It is worth mentioning that the last three photographers are members of both photographic organizations from Oradea

The photographic successes of

Nicoleta Paunaş

The Târgovişte-based colleague of the “Euro Foto Art” Association has lately taken part with her works in a series of International Photography Salons in various European countries.  In the International Salon “PhotoArt Prague” recently held under FIAP patronage in the capital of the Czech Republic, where 790 authors from 67 countries sent 9048 images, Miss Nicoleta Păunaş had multiple photographs accepted. At the third edition of the Greek Photographic Circuit 2015, Miss Nicoleta participated with 15 images, out of 7 themes promoted by its international jury. Also, at the 3^rd International Circuit “8 March Photography” 2015 held in Montevarchi – Italy, she had 15 entries, with the 9 selected titles by international juries. Her work, “Grandma 1“ was presented with a FIAP Honorable Mention, in this competition. Her most recent success was obtained at the First Edition of the International Salon for women photographers, organized by the “Euro Foto Art” Association for its members and for photographers from the 21 partner Organizations, from various European and Asian countries. Her work, “Grandma 1” was awarded the silver medal “Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly” by the international jury. In the message sent to the participants of the Annual Exhibition of “Euro Foto Art” Associations’ members, Miss Nicoleta mentioned that “In these moments, the beautiful words of the great Picasso come back to my mind, words that praise the art which we passionately serve: To paint with light is amazing, because light is alive. The images I create tell my vision of the world and the painter that uses lights has the whole world as a canvas. Photography is then painting with light. We are born in light and we live in light. Through it we know life and color and sense is given to things”.

A year of remarkable accomplishments

The “Euro Foto Art” Association of Oradea ended the year 2014 with remarkable accomplishments. Among the top events are the three International Festivals, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. In this context, the second edition of the International Photo Festival was inaugurated on the 10^th of January at “Balassi” Institute – the Hungarian Institute in Bucharest. The guests of honour of the Festival were the fine-art photographers of the Republic of Moldova. At the opening ceremony of the Festival, the guest of honour was the fine-art photographer Anatol Poiată of Chișinău, president of the Union of Fine-Art Photographers of the Republic of Moldova (UAFM). During the event, Professor Radu Igazság, PhD, presented the documentary film realized by the Hungarian section of TVR about Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly; also, the exhibition of the fine-art photographer Ildikó Barany of Bucharest was inaugurated. On Saturday, the 11^th of January 2014, in the hall of the Passage ”Universitatea” in Bucharest, the representative exhibition of the members of the Union of Fine-Art Photographers of the Republic of Moldova was officially opened. At the inauguration of the exhibition dedicated to the Photographic Art Day in Romania were present the UAFM president, Anatol Poiată, and the International Festival Director, AFIAP fine-art photographer Ștefan Tóth. In only one day, the exhibition was visited by a record number of more than 4000 fine-art photography lovers from the capital. In the “Euro Foto Art” Gallery of Oradea, the exhibition of the Republic of Moldova was inaugurated in the presence of the two fine-art photographers and was a great success, just like in Bucharest. During the Festival, more the 30 exhibitions of fine art photography were opened in different Galleries of Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary and the documentary film was shown in the Galleries of Europe, USA and Australia. During the year 2014, the exhibition of the fine-art photographers of the Republic of Moldova was reopened in the Galleries of Iași, Galați and Slatina (Olt). The closing ceremony of the International Festival was held on the 10^th of February 2014, at the Free International University of Moldova, with the participation of the two fine-art photographers mentioned above, and of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Moldova, HE Tong Mingtao. On this occasion was opened the exhibition of AFIAP fine-art photographer Ștefan Tóth, entitled ”Impressions of China”. The third edition of the European Photo Festival began on the 9^th of May 2014, at the Romanian Cultural Institute, with the participation of Mrs. Iulia Deutsch from the Representation of the European Commission in Romania, of Mrs. Oana Valentina Suciu, representing the Romanian Cultural Institute of Bucharest and the AFIAP fine-art photographer Ştefan Tóth, president of the ”Euro Foto Art” Association, the director of the International Festival. After the opening ceremony of the International Festival, the 7^th edition of the International Salon ”Eurofotoart” was inaugurated and the prizes were awarded. The Salon granted Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly gold, silver and bronze medals. The International Salon dedicated to the Europe Day was officially opened simultaneously in the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery in Oradea, in the same day. During the International Festival, 27 exhibitions were inaugurated in different Galleries in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary. The second edition of the Chinese Photo Festival in Romania, dedicated to the celebration of 65 years of diplomatic relations bewteen Romania and China, as well as of the National Day of China, began on the 26^th of September 2014 at the National Library of Romania in Bucharest. Mrs. Irina Sanda Marin Cajal, Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Yan Jianwu, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Romania and the fine-art photographer AFIAP Ştefan Tóth, president of the ”Euro Foto Art” Association, and director of the International Festival attended the event. During the ceremony, the photo exhibition entitled ”China and the Picturesque Romania”  was inaugurated. The exhibition was made up of 200 photos in black and white and in color, made by the most prominent fine-art photographers of Romania and China. On this occasion, a color catalog edited by the ”Euro Foto Art” publishing house, with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture was released. During the Festival, 14 Chinese exhibitions were opened in different Galleries in Aleșd, Baia Mare, Bucureşti, Carei, Cluj Napoca, Galaţi, Oradea, Salonta, Slatina (Olt) and Suceava. Another great accomplishment of the year 2014 is represented by the exhibitional programme of the ”Euro Foto Art” Gallery, under the patronage of Bihor County Council, where in only one year, 21 photo exhibitions were declared open. Thus, the ”Euro Foto Art” Association offered to the public of Oradea more than 2000 photos made by fine-art photographers from several European countries: the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Croatia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, as well as from the far-away China and Japan. A great success was the itineration of the common Exhibition of the “Euro Foto Art” Association and the “Nufarul” Photo Club, entitled “Dialogue…”, which was inaugurated in 2014 in 10 cities of Romania - Bucureşti, Cluj Napoca, Galaţi, Târgu Mureş and Carei, in Krosno (Poland), Debrecen (Hungary), Kosice (Slovakia), Ujghorod (Ukraine) and in Shenzen (far-away China). In 2014, during the first International Salon of Fine-art Photography of Shenzen (China), a numbered edition of the Carol Pop de Szathmári - Szathmári Pap Károly medals (gold, silver and bronze) was released, registered as trademark with the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks. A series of 20 special gold medals was issued, which will be offered to the most renowned fine-art photographers of Romania and of the world, as a lifetime achievement award. Thus, in 2014, 3 medals were given as a lifetime achievement award, to the fine-art photographers István Tóth EFIAP of Cegléd (Hungary), Francisc Kelen EFIAP of Arad and Zoltán Haragos EFIAP of Târgu Mureş. The ”Euro Foto Art” Association, individual member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) dince 2013, was able to offer to its members free participation to the FIAP Clubs’ World Cup, where the collection of the “Euro Foto Art” Association occupied a praiseworthy place. The number of Associations and Photoclubs which became partners of the “Euro Foto Art” Association is now 21. Among these there are representative organizations of the Czech Republic, China, the Russian Federation, Japan, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary and Ukraine. In 2014, the number of our members – creators and supporters – increased and is now above 200. Among them there are the most famous fine-art photographers of England, the United States of America, Romania and Hungary. A special accomplishment is the drawing up of an application in order to obtain the status of Organization of Public Usefulness. The application received a favourable opinion from the General Secretariat of the Government and was sent to the Ministry of Culture in order to be completed.

Goodbye Dear Friend...

                 Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of                            „Euro Foto Art” Association

I have learned with great sadness about the passing away of the renowned photographer Victor Boldîr EFIAP from Craiova. Our collaboration began over three decades ago, when we attended several national juries of photography organized in various cities of Romania. Over the years we have met so many times in Craiova and at many representative events organized in different parts of Romania. On 13^th of July 2012, I had the great pleasure of organizing a personal exhibition for him in „Euro Foto Art” Gallery, unfortunately without the presence of the author. The exhibition was a great success in Oradea as well. I have always appreciated the photography of late photographer Victor Boldîr EFIAP due to the fact that it radiates a special sincerity. Victor never sought to "confuse" pictures taken. He always sought simplicity in composition, lighting and mode of expression. He has successfully demonstrated (things that many other managed to do only by words) that in simplicity stays complexity. In addition to his artistic qualities, late Victor had an exceptional human character. There was no holiday or birthday without being called from Craiova by my dear friend making the right wishes. The last phone talk was on 9^th of August, on my birthday… The photographer Victor Boldîr will be always alive through his works and photographic art which he served with open and clear soul. Rest in peace!

Goodbye Dear Friend...

Ştefan Tóth AFIAP, president of „Euro Foto Art” Association

Dear Marcello,

Yesterday 29th of November 2014, after being released from the hospital after a successful operation I had in mind to call you when the sad news about your passing away struck me on Facebook. Before getting in the hospital you were still an active participant in the electronic judging of works submitted to the 9th edition of International Exhibition of Romanian and Hungarian Photographic Artists Everywhere. Man senses certain things. In this context, as I promised earlier this year I have managed to organize your personal exhibition at the Italian Cultural Arts Centre in Bucharest, "University" Passage in Bucharest and "Euro Foto Art" Gallery. Every time you thanked me for my personal efforts in organizing exhibitions. I have said many times that your works are true examples of composition, lighting and way of seeing the relationship between photographed elements. You have managed things that many artists fail to do: to provoke the viewer through the message of your works in an exceptional visual dialogue. Now it is my turn to thank you for our sincere collaboration and friendship for over two decades. Your gentleness and kindness made me always feel very special in your and your dear wife’s company. No matter which part of the world we met at Oradea or in Tibet (China) we enjoyed our reunion. I don’t have enough words to thank you for your efforts to actively participate on judging works submitted for the International Salons "EuroFotoArt" or "Premfoto" in Oradea or in Bucharest.

Dear Marcello,

You will be always alive in the photographic art which you served with open and clear soul, through your exceptional human character as well as through your works. Goodbye dear Friend... Rest in peace!

The "Euro Photo Art" Association concludes a year with excellent results. Although recently established (five years ago), was able in 2013 to become a European Association. By present have 17 partner organizations from the Czech Republic, China, Croatia, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary. In this context it was launched in 2013 the site: www.eurofotoart.com which informed with punctuality in Romanian, English and Hungarian, both the members of partner organizations, its members (from Romania, U.S.A. and Hungary) and photography lovers around the globe. In 2013 meant for the "Euro Photo Art" Association a year of events that receive "quality" and not the quantity. In this context was successfully organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture from Romania for the period 11 January to 10 February 2013, the first International Festival of Photography "Carol Pop Szathmári - Szathmári Károly Pap", which included 16 events conducted in the Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary. The second edition of the European Photography Festival, dedicated to Europe Day was another event that has enjoyed of great success, being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture from Romania, in partnership with the European Commission Representation in Romania and the European Parliament Information Office in Romania. The festival was launched at the headquarters of the European Public Space in Bucharest, where was exhibited the fifth edition of the only salon in Europe, "Eurofotoart" which proposed to present the "old" continent. On this occasion it was edited a successful album of 100 color pages, graphics and printing done in exceptional circumstances. The Festival was held 27 exhibitions in the Russian Federation, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, R. of Moldavia, Serbia, Ukraine and Hungary, Romania, developed with the support of partner organizations from Serbia, Romania, Ukraine and Romania. For the first time it was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture from Romania and Art Photographers Association of China, the first edition of Photography Week of China, officially launched at the headquarters Casino from Cluj-Napoca, which included several events in Cluj-Napoca, Oradea and Galati. To the Oradea events attended and cultural counselor of the Embassy of Romania R.P.China, Mr Yan Jianwu, this was declared with Ms. Wang Yao, president of the China Art Photographers Association (CPA) honorific members of honor of the „Euro Photo Art” Association. The "Euro Photo Art" Gallery hosted in 2013 under the patronage of Bihor County Council 21 photographic art exhibition from Bangladesh, Russian Federation, Serbia, Romania and Hungary, where the public access was free. The National Project presentation of nationalities from Romania organizing photography national salons was organized under the patronage and support of the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Romania - Department for Interethnic Relations, National Exhibition entitled“Jews from Romania". In the summer of 2013 the National Library authorized the Euro Foto Art Publishing House, in the care which appeared in 2013 the album "Jews from Romania" CD catalog of the International Exhibition "Bihorul Picturesque" and his booklet "Impressions of China". The organization has enjoyed of great success in the fall of 2013 with the exhibition of Photographic Artists from Euroregion "Bihor - Hajdu Bihar", inaugurated in Oradea and Deberecen (Hungary). In partnership with "Water Lily" Photo Club was organized on the basis of new principles (giving up from the FIAP standards) the eleventh edition of the International Exhibition "Premfoto". News the inclusion consisted of the Rules Exhibition of new genres of photography demanding and offering of winners (instead of FIAP medals and AAFR) of engraved crystal cups and plates "Premfoto" (placed in folders velvet). The "Euro Foto Art" Association recorded in 2013 the International Festival of Photography "Carol Pop Szathmári - Szathmári Károly Pap", which became the first festival will be registered with the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks. In 2013 the "Euro Foto Art" Association became the partner organization of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and ended up in partnership with the Association of Photographic Artists in Romania (AAFR), provided that signed a partnership with the Czech Federation of Art Photography based in Prague. This happens because AAFR not endorsed the application for FIAP auspices of the second edition of the International Festival of Photography "Carol Pop Szathmári - Szathmári Károly Pap" and not posted on its website several articles written about closing ceremony of the European Photo Festival, held in Chişinău (Moldovia) and Iaşi (RO). The Members of the Association from United States of America, Hungary and Romania participated in 2013 to eighth edition of  FIAP Clubs World Cup, where they obtained a special qualifier. The "Euro Foto Art" Association Management thanks for the support partner organizations in developing projects in 2013, and creator’s members, whotrusted in its management.

Graduates photography courses

During my career as a photographer for over 40 years, I have the pleasure to be a lecturer of dozen photographic courses, initiated by the Photographic Club “Water Lily” Photographic Club and "Euro Photo Art" Association in Oradea. The emotion at the start of courses was the usual. At the launch of course, the first contact with those who are passionate in "writing with light" wanted to learn as much as possible about photographic secrets. The courses were prepared so that "theory" not "exceeds" practice. In the early 30s, the black and white film photography laboratory classes were a great success. The students pleasure to make black and white photo films shot by them in the photo club laboratories were unforgettable moments for them. Preparing photos for the exhibition "exam" was another "challenge" for students. Then exhibition and handing diplomas of graduation was a festive moments, joy and satisfaction of the final course. The joy of reader is the fact in that the most of them very seriously continued to develop the acquired lessons, reaching today to receive national and international awards, awarded by the International Federation of Photographic Art or Art Photographers Association in Romania or be employed as professional photographers. Congratulations to all!

Ştefan Tóth AFIAP