Dear Photons,
WELCOME BACK!
It’s the end of Week Two, so we’re already about 12% of the way through the semester! Expect things in your classes to ramp up a bit as the weeks progress, but don’t forget to take care of yourself: hydrate, eat well, and get plenty of sleep. I’m dee, Chair of Photography. If we haven’t met yet, please drop by my office on the third floor of Kinney Hall, room 349. You're receiving this email because:
you're a photography major, or
you're a photography minor, or
you're enrolled in a photography course this semester, or
you're a friend of photography! (thank you)
HONORING MLK
We started this semester with service on January 15th, and I’ve enjoyed hearing about the volunteerism and other learning opportunities many of you enjoyed that day. The spirit of Dr. King's message reverberates through public events the rest of January, and February marks Black History Month (see two events in the “Opportunities” section, below). Even though our socio-political landscape in 2024 feels distant from the early pandemic days when our president peacefully linked arms in solidarity with BLM marchers in Columbus, I can assure you that we know – just like water is wet – Black lives (still) matter.
Our political climate is making it more difficult to have meaningful conversations about the harms of social realities like racism, heterosexism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other dehumanizing systems of domination and subordination. Maybe you saw the disastrous Congressional hearing (or this bit of satire on SNL) that eventually forced two college presidents to resign, and it got me thinking about the moral responsibility that even a Department Chair has when addressing the kinds of current events that our students routinely talk about through their artworks, like the Israel-Hamas war, access to reproductive healthcare, anti-trans legislation, ableism, and white supremacy. And just when so many things seem to be moving in the wrong direction, this conversation between Stephen Dubner and Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, helped reinspire my faith in the mission of higher education.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is becoming another casualty of the culture wars, but I think of it as one of the many ways we learn and practice mutual respect. And my approach to respect is facilitating dialogue. If you’ve taken a class with me, then you know that we will learn from and respect each other even when (especially when) we disagree. Inclusivity fosters excellence, multiple points of view elevate collaborative projects, and effective 21st century leaders must develop diverse talent for a productive workforce. The mission of Bachelor’s programs – whether they are in the Liberal Arts or pre-professional degrees like a BFA – is to prepare you for life as active citizens in an equitable and democratic society (because, good luck being an entrepreneur otherwise!), to foster your personal development, and prepare you for independent research and life-long learning. In other words, having well-informed ideas is how you set your “brand” apart. All of this prepares you for sustained employment, of course, and for civic engagement and voter participation. These are among our highest student learning values.
That is why we’re reinforcing the historical and contemporary contexts you’ve learned about in your science and humanities courses – including consideration of the experiences of individuals from marginalized and underrepresented communities – as well as integrating the descriptive writing/speaking, critical analysis, and creative problem solving skills that are inextricably linked to medium-specific techniques you’re learning in every studio and seminar course. We're not telling you what to think, but instead teaching you how to think for yourself. Doing anything less would only be a partial education and a disservice to you (and our state and country) and it would not uphold the CCAD Way: Think. Do. We’re excited to be in fellowship and learning with you all.
OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR ENTRY at CCAD
Oh... Wow?? is a call for artists to submit work about self-identity and all the good, bad, and ugly that come along with it. Submissions are open to intimate themes, looking into who the artists exhibiting in this show in Byer’s Gallery are, will be, or are striving to be. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IMAGES - February 12, 2024 by end of day 5:00 PM.
FAIRVIEW: Family dramas and the insidiousness of white supremacy
On Thursday evening, February 8th, join Student Engagement and Inclusion for Fairview, a play directed by CCAD's Director of Youth & Community Learning, Dr. Aviva Neff. There are 25 spots, admission is free, first come, first serve. Sign up here.
BLACK ART at THE MUSEUM
On Friday morning, February 9th, there will be a guided tour of Black art/history at the CMA. 30 spots, admission is free, first come, first serve. Sign up here.
INTERNSHIP
The Art Institute of Chicago’s department of Imaging is seeking an intern to work closely with the Photography and Production teams, collaborating side-by-side with Imaging staff to develop technical and narrative skills to effectively document art objects. The intern selected for this position will be introduced to the lifecycle of imaging work, from image creation to editing, metadata creation, file management, and ongoing access and reuse. The intern will join a museum-wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Imaging. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.
CALLS FOR ENTRY, RESIDENCIES, GRANTS, JOBS, ETC
Check out the Support and Resources for Artists available on the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s (GCAC) website. GCAC provides comprehensive support to artists including funding, free workshops, networking, studio listings, jobs, and calls for entry.
Another great resource is the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). OAC serves the public in strengthening Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Their grants for individual artists recognize excellence, preserve cultural traditions, and offer developmental support. Programs include: Individual Excellence Awards, Artists with Disabilities Access Program, Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, and Artist Opportunities.
Find photo contests and other photography related opportunities such as photography competitions and juried exhibitions in the C4E searchable directory. Use the categories to fine tune your search results. You can sign up as a photographer to receive submission tips and their newsletter.
LENSCRATCH is an online platform dedicated to supporting and celebrating the photographic arts and photographic artists through exposure, discussion, community collaboration, and education. Through grants, awards, exhibitions, and dedicated features, LENSCRATCH also seeks to uplift emerging and student artists who will be the next generation shaping the power and purpose of our medium.
LAB AND EQUIPMENT ACCESS
Equipment may be checked-out by authorized students starting NOW. Please review the Studios, Labs and Equipment Guide.
FAQs
What are the Photo and Video Classroom / Lab Open Hours?
Mon - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri - Sun, Noon - 10:00 PM
All labs/studios close: Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 10:00 PM
Spring Semester ends with CHROMA: Friday, May 10, 2024
What are the Equipment Room Days/Hours?
Monday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Monday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
CLOSED: Spring Break
The last days for gear checkout: Thursday & Friday, May 2, 2024& May 3, 2024
All gear must be returned: Monday, May 6, 2024
JOIN THE PHOTO COLLECTIVE
Student collectives are clubs run by and for the students that enrich their curricular experiences with co-curricular pre-professional and social opportunities. If you have ideas for events, activities, and other programming, and if you have an interest in shared leadership, please reach out to the collective rep for more information.
NEW YEAR MIXTAPE
I’ve always been an audiophile, and keeping up with new releases is one of my creative outlets outside of art making. I made THIS PLAYLIST for all of you, and I would love to learn more about what and who you’re listening to. Please send yours my way.