How to go
What: “Athens Photographic Project,” images from Appalachian Ohio
When: Continues through April 21
Where: CPC Studio 238, College Park Center, University of Dayton
More info: (502) 417-1471 or www.athens photoproject.org
What are the challenges people face in the Appalachian mountains of Ohio? What are their creative outlets? Where is the beauty in their environment?
These are some of the questions that photojournalist Josh Birnbaum is teaching new photography students to answer. You can view some of their answers at CPC Studio 238 at the University of Dayton.
Birnbaum, who earned his photojournalism degree at Ohio University, worked as an aerospace engineer in Los Angeles when he decided to take his career in a different direction — one that led him on a photographic journey across America seeking music, Appalachia, and other subcultures.
He is showing nine images, while his students are presenting 10 photographs on an adjacent wall in the small gallery.
A couple snuggle in a car while a child is framed through the open door fishing along a riverbank. Muddy children play with water guns dangerously close to fresh laundry on a clothesline. An elderly man lies on a sofa holding a harmonica and an old wedding picture. Birnbaum not only masters the compositions, he evokes emotions from the viewer.
“I knew Josh taught classes for the Athens Photographic Project,” said UD visiting professor Molly Schoenhoff. “Several months ago, I had an idea to bring him here and have my students work with him.”
Her current typography students were given a project to study the Appalachian images and assign text to them. That assignment is still ongoing.
In this show, 10 of Birnbaum’s students try to gear up for the challenge of shooting memorable images, all while facing challenges themselves. The Athens Photographic Project encourages photography as a tool for growth and self-expression during mental health recovery. The project offers photography classes to residents of Athens, Hocking and Vinton counties in Ohio.
Other students in the show include: Sandy White, Janet Boring, Adele Durfee, Saundra Frazier, Paul Grimes, Beth Klaus, Chris Leonard, Karen Radebaugh and Marilyn Tucker.
Visitors to the CPC Studio must obtain a parking pass from the attendant on the University Circle inside the main entrance of U.D., and obtain an access card on the first floor of the building.
Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.
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