FRONT PAGE

CAMPUS NEWS:
    DIXSVILLE NOTCH
    POLITICAL
    OBAMA
    RINDGE
   
SPORTS
   PIERCE PRIDE
   BASKETBALL

A&E
     CESARE
     ART

SHENANIGANS

HOMETOWN HERO
    KIERSTEAD

PROFS INTO PEOPLE
    JONI DOHERTY

SENIOR PROFILE
    KAPELA

PAST ISSUES

Thoreau Art Gallery features photography from students/faculty

by Ashley D. Saari
Exchange Staff
 
     The Thoreau Art Gallery had the opening of its second show of the year this week, featuring photography from students and faculty.

     The show, entitled "Double Exposure/Multiple Views," is focused on photography and features works from a variety of age groups and classes. Both students and faculty are participating. In the past, shows have been more focused on a single group or class, but the small space at the newly-renovated gallery supports the new inclusive style better.

     So far, the small space has featured mixed media. This show is the first to offer only one type of art. "It's pretty much been mixed until now. This is an experimental approach by the gallery's director," said Professor Katherine Cronin, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Visual and Performing Arts.

     Cronin said that the small space has certain limitations. "It limited the number of student works that we could exhibit, which was disappointing because so many students do so much good work," said Cronin.

     "I think it's a great idea, because it gives students a chance to see the professor’s work," said Professor Elsa Voelcker, a senior lecturer and professor in the Fine Arts department.

     Voelcker has several of her own pieces in the show, and selected several pieces from her photography classes and independent studies to be displayed. Some of the pieces are from the midterm portfolio of students who have only had a single semester of photo experience.

     Cronin also said that many of the students that had submitted from one of her classes were new to photography. "Color Photo I students are predominantly absolute beginners, so when you see them in the exhibit, it's impressive to see the how talented they are," Cronin said.

     Although all of the pieces in the gallery are photographs, they depict a variety of different subject matter and photographic techniques. According to Voelcker, even if her students were told to photograph the same object, no two photographs would come out the same, both because of the technical differences and the emotion the artist is seeking to attach to the image.

     "I think the art was very intriguing. I think you can learn a lot from one picture. It gives you a different perspective," said sophomore Mary Holland, who attended the opening of the show.  

     "In most cases, the artist is trying to convey an idea or feeling or both. If you're successful, that happens," said Voelcker. "A photograph becomes art when you associate it with something else.”

     When asked how she felt the show's opening was going, Cronin said, "I think the show really showcases the broad skill of our students. It really does. I'm very pleased to see it. It’s beautiful."