Paul Lauer
– Staff Writer –
Members of the STLCC-Meramec photo club got the opportunity Friday, April 30 to exhibit their photographs at the first Photo Club Art Show, which was held at Riverside Gallery in Webster Groves. Residents from nearby came to view and buy the students’ photographs, ask them questions and enjoy the wine and appetizers that were offered.
According to Janis Sago, photography program coordinator and sponsor of the photo club, those who attended would experience “a visual treat” and acquire “lots of visual information.”
Images captured in the photographs ranged from city skylines to flowers and from destructed churches to cemeteries and parks. There were prints in digital, chromogenic – both in black and white and in color – and wet plate collodion.
Meramec student and photo club member Michelle Lyons submitted a photograph that she shot of the north Chicago shoreline and skyline and another that she took in her neighbor’s yard of an iris.
“You don’t have to go any farther than your backyard to find interesting things,” said Lyons in regard to her photograph of the flower.
Nicole Caleo, president of the photo club, exhibited a photograph she shot of a homeless man sleeping on an oversized domino at Board Game Art Park in Philadelphia.
“I felt like he looked peaceful,” said Caleo in regards to the homeless man, who had been sleeping for more than an hour in 85 degree weather amid the many passers-by.
This particular exhibit was offered only to the members of the photo club. Members also participate in trips to places like the Botanical Gardens or even as far as Chicago.
According to Lyons, the photo club allows her to share in the “camaraderie” of like-minded individuals.
The photo club and the exhibit also give students something to put on their résumé. Once a person is a member or has exhibited at certain gallery, Sago said, he or she can always add that to their credentials.
“It’s a way to get recognized,” said Lyon. “It’s good for the professional world.”
