Last weekend, the Fix hosted our first Juried Show: An Exploration of Conceptual Art, which was juried and curated by David Oresick, the Director of the Silver Eye Center, and Jessica Beck, the associate curator of the Andy Warhol Museum.
This exhibition, now slated to be an annual event, lived in my mind as this unrealistic dream just a few months ago. But thanks to the help of April Friges, one of Point Park University's dedicated professors, the staff of the Fix, and Point Park University, we were able to create an exhibition that showcased some of the best conceptual work that this photo program has created. It was my last significant contribution to the Fix before I bid my farewell, handing over the prolific organization to Sean Eaton and the new staff.
There were 47 pieces from 16 artists, selected and carefully curated by Oresick and Beck. These pieces ranged from a Kaylin Herzer's rephotographic essay exploring loss to my own collaged pornography (sorry, Mom) to Neil Curran's silver gelation abstractions. We awarded 'Best of Show' scholarship awards - scholarships!! - to three artists, one of which was considered the winner while the other two recieved 'honorable mentions'. All three received scholarship money for their inspiring work.
From left to right, winners Morgan Richards, juror Jessica Beck, Nicole Fritz, and Kaylin Herzer
Photo by Dominique Hildebrand
We even created a catalogue, whose cover can be seen here and bought on Blurb. This beautiful catalogue, featuring each artist's work, was created by the constantly impressive Julianne Griffith, the Fix's senior layout editor.
Emily Bennet, a reporter for Point Park's weekly newspaper, The Globe, wrote a wonderful article detailing the experience of the artists and the exhibition in an article that was published this week. Read the full article here. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. But here's a small excerpt from her story, which involved an immense amount of interviews:
“I put it together. The students came to me and said they wanted to do a juried show, and I told them, ‘Okay!’ [Harley] did a great job of getting it all together and sequencing the work,” Friges said. “I’m mainly the students’ puppet. They have a vision, and all I do is try to support them and help them get experience. This experience is something they can’t learn in the classroom.”
Photographs by Julianne Griffith
I can't begin to thank the individuals who came to the show, who supported each artist, who helped us each step of the way. I was overwhelmed with the amount of love that poured out of my friends and family.. It was incredible. I think I spent the entire three hours hugging people and I still wasn't able to give out nearly enough gratitude. My friends, my loving, loving friends, braved snowy conditions and a long line for a shuttle to trek out to this exhibition. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by these individuals, who are constantly encouraging me and loving me.
Words continue to fail me to begin to thank everyone who came to the exhibition... There is just so much love in this world, and I can't believe how much of it I get to experience. All thanks to these folks.
Look at my parents! Look at them!! I know I brag about them a lot, but I really am one of the most fortunate artists to have such supportive parents who come to my show, even though all I'm showing is collage pornography. Thanks, Mom and Dad. You're cool.
Patty!!! My former roommate who is bursting with life and love, unbelievably kind and generous. On Instagram, she showered me with compliments, just a small example of the out pouring of love that she constantly showers me with: My BEAUTIFUL friend Hannah is such an incredible talent! Her work and the meaning behind it speaks such volumes. Her passion and drive is going to create waves throughout this world. I love YOU dearly, Hannah!
My current roommates, the love bugs. (Two were missing due to prior engagements.) What a year it has been living with these strong and gorgeous women. They have been so instrumental in making me sane enough to be a part of these types of activities. Love you all for always. Thank you.
This goon brings me pizza when I'm stressed and has modeled for me more times than I can count. He's saved my butt and kicked it into gear on many occasions. Thank you for being you. His Instagram post called me talented and ambitious and hot, so he's obviously a great complimenter too. Love you, Jaron.
And the hundreds of people who I didn't get pictures with.. The people who have loved me and helped me all along this journey.. I am so grateful for you. Sorry I was too busy hugging you to get a picture. As per usual..
In just a few short months, I'll be (probably) leaving Point Park, saying goodbye to a university and a program that have encouraged me in a multitude of ways. It's nice to know that even when I've left, there will be something to help encourage the future students of this photography program. It's not yet time for goodbye, but it'll be a long transition out of this spectacular place I call home.
Thankful for a university that lets me indulge my craziest ideas.. Here's to wild ideas that turn into reality!
The tear down the next day.. The calm after the storm