John said he never had a photograph of himself; he cried when we gave him a print.
A compelling and poignant photography exhibition is showing in the galleries of Western Nevada College in Carson City. Reno-based artists Jeff Ross and Susan Mantle share their photography through Oct. 18.
In the Main Gallery, Ross invites visitors to contemplate “The Faces of St. Vincent’s,” photographs and reflections of people in poverty who are being helped through St. Vincent’s Catholic Charities program.
In the College Gallery, Ross displays his work titled “RAVE Family Foundation.” The project captures high school students helping with the care of developmentally challenged children.
In the Atrium Gallery, Susan Mantle offers photography - “Emotional Capture: Reaching Out, Reaching In.”
Both artists create emotional connections with their work.
“Photographing at Catholic Charities and RAVE Family Foundation, like my other pro bono projects, has given me optimism and hope,” Ross said. “These two bodies of work showcase people who are less visible to the public eye yet deserve our attention.”
Ross has been a commercial, editorial and fine art photographer since 1981 and established Reno as his home base in 1984. He teaches at the University of Nevada, Reno; the Nevada Museum of Art, and starting next spring, Ross will provide a workshop at WNC.
The care provided by high school students through Northern Nevada RAVE Family Foundation was particularly touching to Ross.
“High school students, trained to interact with developmentally challenged children, were taking the lead in giving the parents some relief to the 24/7 care required,” he said. “Once the children got over their natural instinct to mug for the camera, I was able to capture up close the loving care they were receiving. Through nonstop activities, art projects and games, the teenagers were fully engaged with these small children, getting tuned into their unique challenges.”
Mantle, a photography business owner in Reno and a longtime photographer of the region, said, “I am a photographer to the core.”
Her portfolio includes expressive portraits of teen mothers, families, artists, executives and newborns. “I’ve learned from the best, capture life as it happens, and I love what I do,” she said.
“I am pleased to say that in the last 20 years I have had many incredible people in front of my lens: two U.S. presidents, a first lady, senators, U.S. Navy admirals and top guns, university presidents, world class entertainers, mining executives, authors, artists, passionate newlyweds, newborns, excited high school seniors, goofy kids and sleepy newborns, along with sculpture, gourmet cuisine and much more,” Mantle said. “It has been a great challenge (and) keeps my creativity fresh and life exciting.”
All three exhibitions will be on display through Oct. 18.