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After finalizing its partnership with the Photographic Center Northwest five years ago, Seattle University is releasing its first batch of fresh young artists with the first ever bachelor of fine arts photography showcase.
The exhibition of the work of seven photographers represents the diverse perspectives of the first graduating class preparing to leave Seattle University with bachelor's of fine arts degrees in photography.
Previously, the university offered a Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in photography. The photography major was only made possible by Seattle U's partnership with PCNW.
"I'm thrilled," said photography professor Claire Garoutte, surrounded by the bustle of her students preparing the Vachon Room for the gallery opening. "I'm super proud of what these students have put together."
Garoutte praised the commitment the students have to the show, as well as their community involvement.
"When you're shooting you're investing in prints," Garoutte said, "and what is being displayed in the show are the final prints. These students have been investing in this all year."
By the time all of the pieces are hung and ready, graduating seniors, Garoutte and photography majors who helped prep the gallery will have put in more than 24 hours of work just in the final days leading to opening night.
"We spent the whole year pointing toward this moment. It's like Christmas," said Michael Keefe, graduating photography major and one of the students whose work is profiled in the show.
The photography program at Seattle University provides an opportunity for students to work with photographers diverse in both age and experience.
"Because PCNW offers public classes, we got to work with professional photographers and hobby photographers who just want to learn something new," Keefe said.
But the diversity isn't exclusive to the classroom setting. Each of the seven graduating seniors offers a unique perspective on the world around them, choosing distinctly different subject matter for their photos.
The exhibitions include a series of macro food photographs by Joysha Fajardo, and Ellen Erickson's conceptual and personally reflective photo series. Jessica Ishmael's street photography and video installation titled "Synergism" will also be showcased alongside a documentary photo series about the Triple Crown boutique by Janae Jones. The gallery will also host Michael Keefe's series on identity and otherness, Yasuyoshi Sakamoto's documentation of extreme sports and Kelli Thoumsin's multi-media installation on ambiguity and memory.
"It's nice to have difference," said Jones. "We don't get sick of each other's work that way. Everyone knows what a good picture looks like, so even if someone likes to take pictures of flowers and the other student takes street photos, we can still give each other honest feedback."
"We've given them the skills to shoot and get jobs, eventually put a portfolio together to go to graduate school," Garoutte said.
Garoutte also promised this show would be the start of a tradition.
"Students won't graduate unless they do the BFA show, and they'll only do the BFA show if they're up to it."
Attendees of the first BFA show, which opens June 5, should expect a rich and distinct exhibit with something enjoyable for all tastes.
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