A fundraiser for the University of Idaho’s photography club brings the Moscow Food Co-op a little closer to UI.
hayden crosby | rawr University of Idaho photography club has its photos on display in the Moscow Food Co-op's gallery until May 9.
To raise money for the club’s trips and expenses, the photography club has displayed photos in the Co-op’s gallery. The photos are for sale ranging in prices for $80 to $30.
“The photographs that are in the gallery were chosen by the photography club’s adviser Bill Woolston. He taught at (UI) for 30-plus years and retired last semester,” said Elizabeth Gibson, the photographer featured in the gallery said.
The Co-op works with local artists to get them exposure, and acts as a stepping stone to get into larger exhibits and displays like that of Moscow’sPrichard Art Gallery.
“I got into photography by taking classes in junior high school,” Gibson said.
She said her brother was also an avid photographer.
“I enjoy taking photos of whatever strikes me,” Gibson said. “(I like things) that have an interesting composition, structure or texture.”.
Tim McGinn, the photography club’s vice-president, said he has enjoyed capturing memories with his camera since high school. His passion for photography has extended fully into his work for the photography club.
“I enjoy taking pictures of landscapes mostly with interesting perspectives,” McGinn said.
When the thought of a photography club was being discussed, McGinn said there was a high level of student-interest expressed online.
“There were a lot of people interested in starting a photography club and posted their interests for it online,” McGinn said.
Annie Hubble, art coordinator at the Co-op, said she likes to support local artists and wants to continue helping smaller art collectives have a place to display their work.
“It’s a stepping stone for these artists that can’t get their work into the Prichard (Art) Gallery.”
Hubble has been the art coordinator for more than 10 years, and she said she has a passion for art.
“The Co-op’s original location was not large enough for an art gallery, and when we moved to this location over 15 years ago, I was really excited we had the space for one,” Hubble said.
This display is a new experience for both the photography club and the Co-op.
“There are 11 art shows a year in the Co-op’s gallery and this is the first time the university’s photography club has ever been featured there,” Hubble said.
Because there are only 11 shows each year in the Co-op, the photography club was pleased to be a part of them, Gibson said.
Hubble said it was a last minute opportunity.
“There was a cancelation from an artist a week before the photo club asked about putting their work in the gallery, so it worked out perfectly,” Hubble said.
Chandler Abraham started UI’s photography club because he saw a need for a student outlet to express their love of photography and learn more about it. Abraham is graduating this year and has an internship for the summer.
The club takes pictures for sports clubs, campus events and other clubs, as well as any other opportunity offered by the university — all at a low or no cost.
“The club offers free photo services with non-profit organizations and for the community, we also hold a Friday night (picture) event once or twice a semester at Friendship Square and it’s a $1 (per) photo shoot,” Gibson said.
Small, off-the-wall events like this help publicize the club and show off the work they can do. This also helps students that might need photos taken for graduation, formal events or just for a fun cheap activity.
The photography club hopes this gallery event gives publicity to the club and raises money to further their careers and keeps the club going.
Danielle Yantis can be reached at [email protected]