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| “Withinsight” highlights 30 years of photography |
by Dana Lord
Staff Photograhper |
As I walked inside the James M. Hunt Gallery, I was greeted by a sea of smiling faces, both from the artists and their work on the walls.
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Photos courtesy of the James M. Hunt Gallery
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On Sunday, Nov. 7, the Jane Addams Center celebrated its 30th anniversary of the photography program. Since its founding in October of 1969, co-founder and instructor Richard Stromberg and his team of volunteers have provided more than 7,500 students with an opportunity to nurture and refine their photographic skills. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive photojournalistic foundation comparable to many first-year college programs.
The program was started when the director of the Jane Addams Center asked Richard Stromberg to start a photography program for troubled youth. The program literally started from an empty room, with no funds. James M. Hunt joined fellow volunteers Stromberg and Darrel Muhrer (aka Spike Bones) in the construction of a four-person darkroom. This launched the photography program. The initial cost was $30 for the eight week course.
James M. Hunt continued to volunteer for seven years, serving as the first of hundreds of selfless volunteers who kept the program running strong. The James M. Hunt gallery is named in honor of his hard work and dedication.
For 30 years, the entire program has been staffed by volunteers. More advanced students help and share valuable insight with those less experienced. Instructors are given use of the center’s darkroom facilities in exchange for their work. Today, the program has more than 10 volunteers and 70 participants in Photo I, Photo II and the continuing workshop, also known as Photo Squared.
 “Withinsight” is wide collection of work from both students and instructors from the center. Images range from introspective portraits, to studies in nature and architecture. One image that immediately caught my attention was “Shall We Dance” by Tina L. Schiff, which depicts a man trying to dance with a stiff, unwilling partner. “Weightless” by Geri Yoshioka is an energetic study of a martial artist in mid-air.
The collection also includes powerful examples of photojournalistic work, which echoes the program’s mission. “All in a Day’s Work” by Ken Moss shows firemen battling a raging fire. Inka Lofvenmark’s “Por Favor” is also representative of crisp photojournalistic style. She turns what could have been a simple snapshot into a profound moment in time captured on film. The work in the collection proves that the program is successfully doing its job.
The exhibit also includes work by Susan Berger, Leah Bobal, Kelly Hayes, Ann Herbert, Stephanie Howard, Lori Hugg, Iyzz Kopeczky, Heidi Levin, Karen J. Michaels, Fernando Perez, E.J. Rublev, Chuck Stebelton, Richard Stromberg and William Von Hartz.
The Jane Addams Center is located at 3212 N. Broadway. The exhibit is on display until Dec. 31. For more information about the exhibit or any classes, please call: (773) 262-0541. |
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