Delicious Fields : Ohio Photographers at Work @ MOCA

Rolling farmlands, looming factories, majestic matter-of-factness – these descriptions apply to Ohio as a cultural and geographic site distinct from other regions of the United States.  But what can that mean for photographers working in our midst?  “Delicious Fields” derives from “Champs Delicieux,” a portfolio of photograms created by Man Ray and published by Tristan Tzara in Paris in 1922.  As an avant-garde publication heralding the beginning of photographic surrealism in Paris, the images in Champs Delicieux represented revolution in their own time and are reprised in experimental contemporary photography.  Man Ray’s images, created by placing everyday objects onto a sheet of photographic paper exposed to light, offered a scrambling of reality.  Just so, the nine Ohio photographers exhibited here overlay personal narrative on the Ohio landscape, or conversely, subject this and other topography to overt manipulation and examination.  What results is a selection of photographic work imbued with the spirit of the enigmatic, as descended from its French forbearers.

Visit MOCA’s website for more info.

You can visit the artists’ websites for more information:

• Jodi Boatman
• Bruce Checefsky
• Joy Christiansen Erb
• Mary Fahy
• Benjamin Montague
• Ardine Nelson
• Pipo Nguyen-duy
• Jordan Tate

Matt Swetel Solo Exhibition

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CSU Photo alumnus Matt Swetel‘s solo exhibition “Live To…” will open on June 17 at Anderson Creative in Canton, OH.  For more event info, visit the show’s facebook page.  Come down and support Matt.

Dodd Camera Spring Show & Sale

This Friday and Saturday, May 20 & 21 Dodd Camera presents their annual Spring Show and Sale.  22 manufacturer representatives will be on hand, special savings on cameras and other photo gear, and free 30 minute workshops.

CSU Student Show @ Doubting Thomas

Andrew Elaban and TJ Jaeger will both have work included in an exhibition of CSU student art work at Doubting Thomas gallery in Tremont in June.  Come out and support your peers this summer. Visit and RSVP (not required) on Facebook.

Vindicator Needs a Staff Photographer

Paying $1000 per semester, starting in the fall 2011.

Requirements: 2.5 cumulative GPA, and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours

If you’re interested, let me know ASAP.  I’ll need a CD with 10 JPEG images of your work.  Please include only “straight” photography that would be appropriate for a student newspaper.  Write you name, phone number and email on the CD.

The Vindicator is Cleveland State University’s monthly, student-run multicultural magazine. Celebrating 40 years of seeking social justice on campus, in the community and on the Earth.  Visit The Vindicator’s FB page

SOFA Zoo Trip

SOFA, the Student Organization of Fine Art, has organized a trip to Cleveland Metropark Zoo next Friday, May 13.  Students have permission to draw, paint or photograph at the zoo and rainforest all day.  The tickets are free.  To get yours, see Josh Usmani (josh.usmani@gmail.com) or another SOFA officer.  There is a sign up sheet in the lounge on the 2nd floor of the Art Building.  Please sign up so the zoo has an estimate of how many to expect.

2011 Ohio All-media Art Exhibition

Regional Deadline: May 13, 2011 (extended)

Fees: $20 / 3 images, 25% commission

Download the prospectus: Ohio All Media Prospectus 2011

Open to all artists who reside in Ohio and are over the age of 18. Works in any media, traditional or experimental, qualify. All works must be original, not previously exhibited at The Coburn Gallery and must have been completed within the last two years.

Juror
John W. Carlson is a prolific artist living and working in Bay Village, Ohio. He attended Cleveland’s Cooper School of Art. Recently, Carlson was juried into the prestigious Midyear Show at the Butler Institute of American Art ( juror: George Adams) and invited to participate in the Florence Biennale by the Internal Committee of the International Biennial of Contemporary Art for 2009 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence Italy. He was also nominated for the Annual Cleveland Arts Prize in 2009.

Awards
– Best of Show $500
– Three Merit Awards $100 each
– Three Juror Mention Awards

Entry Procedure
A maximum of three entries are allowed per artist. Submit a non-refundable entry fee of $20.00 payable to Ashland University.

Entry Format
Entries must be submitted in CD format, and should conform to the guidelines noted below. Slides and photographic print will not be accepted.

All entries must meet the following specifications:
– Entries will be judged from high-resolution images
– Electronic files must be in jpeg format
– Submit files on CD
– Label the CD with the artist name and address
– Label each image with last name, entry number and title
– Juror notification will be sent via e-mail, May 16
– CD will not be returned

Inquiries
For further information or assistance, please contact our office at:

The Coburn Gallery
331 College Avenue
Ashland, Ohio 44805

419.289.5652
coburngallery@ashland.edu

Entry Deadline
All entries must be received by June 17, 2011. Entries should be sent to:

Cynthia C. Petry
Coburn Gallery
Ashland University
331 College Avenue
Ashland, Ohio 44805

Delivery and Return of Work
After jury notification, accepted works should be either hand-delivered or sent pre-paid postal carrier to arrive at the Coburn Gallery the week of June 17, 2011. Shipped works must be packaged in reusable cartons and return shipping should be pre-paid. Plexiglas should be used on all shipped 2-D artwork.

All artwork should be wired and ready to hang upon delivery. The gallery director reserves the right to reject any work not framed, wired or presented in a professional or sound manner.

Upon closing of the exhibition, hand-delivered works can be obtained on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m.- noon or Monday, August 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shipped artwork will be returned using prepaid labels in the original container.

Liability and Insurance
Ashland University will insure all works from their delivery to their departure from the University. The Coburn Gallery and Ashland University are not responsible for any damage or loss occurring in transit.

Sales
Sales will be encouraged. A 25% commission will be charged on all works sold. Your entry grants the Coburn Gallery permission to photograph/publish entries for promotional or educational purposes.

End of the Semester

Equipment Return

The end of the semester is quickly approaching.  This is just a friendly reminder that all loaned materials and equipment are due back to me by Wednesday, May 11.  So if you have lights, cameras, (action – no, kidding), flashes, tripods, books, videos, or anything else please bring them to class.  If you can’t coordinate that, arrange to drop off your loaned items in the Art Department office by next Wednesday.

Printing

Photo II & III’s projects are due on Friday.  The printer has been feeling a bit rejected lately.  Someone needs to show it a little love.  Remember, final prints are due in a few short days.  There will be a cue at the end of the semester.  Don’t wait to the last minute.

Where have YOU been?

I’ve missed you too.  I wasn’t in class last Friday because I traveled to Chicago to attend the opening reception of Public Works, an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago.  I was honored to show along side some giants of photography including among others, Bruce Davidson, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander, Dorothea Lange, Danny Lyon, Richard Misrach, Martin Parr, and Andy Warhol.  Yes.  I’m name dropping.  Mostly so you forgive my absence on yesterday, Monday May 1st.  I was home sick with the stomach flu that started somewhere around Gary, IN in the car on the way home on Saturday.  I’m all better now and promise to see you all tomorrow in class.