Photos For Funding
Akemi Rico | Social Media Editor
Back after three years, SMC photo faculty and staff show off their work and raise money for the photo department.
On the second floor of Drescher Hall on the main campus of Santa Monica College (SMC), there is a brightly lit room with brilliantly painted white walls against which hang various photographs in many styles and of many subjects. Every photo is different, has a distinct style, and are all produced by the faculty and staff of the SMC Photo Department.
“This is personal work from the faculty and staff within the photo department. We haven’t had the show since before the pandemic, so it’s nice to see what everyone has been doing during that time and to see it up on the walls,“ Photography professor Josh Withers said.
The opening reception was held Saturday, Sept. 23rd, when staff, faculty and guests gathered in the gallery to see the art and place bids as part of a silent auction fundraiser. The exhibition, typically an annual event, is the first one back after a three-year hiatus.
Madison Singleton, a photography student, was feeling enthusiastic about the event, stating, “I’m currently taking Photography 1. All of this is super exciting to learn about and see what I could do in the future with photography.”
There are 39 images in total being shown, and they are all up for auction on the website. David Mendoza, administrative assistant for the photography and fashion department, reports that proceeds from the auction go to the photo department to fund guest speakers, professional development for instructors and student activities such as the annual photo department picnic.
The pictures on display depict many themes including landscapes, portraits, abstract art and street scenes. Professor Ed Mangus shows contact sheets from an intimate stage show of Prince during his early years. “These have never been seen by the public. They’ve been in the archives,” Mangus said.
Rafael Lainez, photography student and onboarding and recruiting clerk in the SMC Welcome Center, said, “It inspires me to go out and capture history. That’s really what photography is, right? Capturing a piece of history.“
Julia Dean, an adjunct photography professor, shares, “It’s an honor. It’s the first time I’ve gotten to share my work with my colleagues. I get to see all the work that everybody does outside of school, and I haven’t seen most of it so it’s super exciting! It’s like a self-portrait from each of us.”
The show is located on the second floor of Drescher Hall on SMC's main campus and will be available until Oct. 20. Those interested in placing bids for the silent auction can visit the photography department auction page.
