Describes the author's friend and fellow photographer, Merry Moor Winnett, with whom she was a darkroom-mate and, together, they explored the possibilities of hand painting black-and-white photographs.

Anna Tomczak's studio is her ""safe haven,"" her sanctuary, and a space into which she invites others. Throughout her artistic journey, Tomczak has discovered kindred spirits in her colleagues.She describes friend and fellow photographer, Merry Moor Winnett, with whom she was a darkroom-mate and, together, they explored the possibilities of hand painting black-and-white photographs. Tomczak notes other important artists in her life, including Margaret Ross Tolbert and Phil Parker, both of whom she met through ""Mother Art"" Dorothy Johnson, art supervisor and initiator of the Volusia County Florida Artists-in-Schools Residency Program.Tomczak has fostered artistic development by hosting workshops in her studio and leading trips abroad. She has been influential in artist-residencies in public schools and the Southeast Museum of Photography, Daytona Beach Community College, Florida.