Photojournalism Capstone Exhibit

RIT’s William Harris Gallery is presenting “Something New Always Grows,” a collaborative display of capstone work by eight senior Photojournalism students. The exhibit will be on view from Jan. 30 to Feb. 14, with a public artist reception scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. A screening will then take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in MAGIC Spell Studios' Wegmans Theater followed by an artist talk at 3 p.m. in William Harris Gallery.This exhibition is the capstone event of the students’ Photojournalism studies in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences. It celebrates the completion of a year-long documentary project that is judged in accordance with the highest photojournalistic standards. The students selected the exhibit title as a way of expressing the emotional and physical journey of the people they documented, as well as the place they find themselves following the conclusion of the capstone experience, and as they approach graduation. The title reflects the recognition that hope allows new growth and evolution from a state of upheaval.In “Something New Always Grows,” the eight graduating students demonstrate the affirmative power of visual documentary storytelling to speak boldly and constructively about our world today. The projects share themes related to life in its constant state of change as the singular connection between an otherwise disparate group of stories. The exhibiting visual artists are: Noah Bogusz, Matteo Bracco, Grace Carr, Danielle DeVries, Bridget Fetsko, Rebekah Hange, Cassidy Keith and Catherine Rafferty. The scope of their projects ranges from a veteran’s rehabilitation from PTSD, a family’s experience with adoption in Russia, special education in the Rochester City School District, a reflection on conflict in Haiti through the lens of a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, an addict undertaking the recovery process, a student enrolled in a residential educational program in Maryland, two students embracing Frederick Douglass’ legacy through an oratorical competition and a young woman with an intellectual disability navigating greater independence. The work is expressed primarily through photographic and video mediums, which highlight the focus on a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling.William Harris Gallery is located on the third floor of Gannett Hall, and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.