Dog Dogs appearing at Schumacher Gallery

By: Chris Morris

Posted: 3/11/10

Assistant Director of Career Services Jan Rich is only one of many in the community excited about Dog Dogs, an exhibit of 65 black-and-white photographs dedicated solely to canines by famed American photojournalist Elliot Erwitt appearing at Schumacher Gallery from Feb. 12 to Mar. 31.

"I love dogs," Rich said. "I've always had dogs. Currently, I have two cavapoos, a little havanese, and a cavachon." In addition, Rich has made efforts to publicize her love for dogs through Capital Canines, a facet of the exhibit wherein the gallery allows members of the community to submit pictures of their own dogs to be displayed. She has submitted four pictures. "It's just for enjoyment," she said. "I had some good pictures and the gallery offered the Capital community to get involved."

David Gentilini, assistant to the director of the gallery, echoed Rich's feelings on community. "One of the reasons we wanted the Erwitt gallery was because we thought it would appeal to the community and get the community involved," he said. "We thought improving our studio photography collection would attract visitors and also, we're trying to get more involved in social media; some members of the community have submitted photos through Flickr."

Though Erwitt is a notable figure in 20th century artistic photography with exclusive exhibits at The Chicago Art Institute, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian, the exhibit at Schumacher, Gentilini said, has had modest success. "The major factor has been the weather," he said. "We got a pretty positive review in the Columbus Dispatch but because of the snow, the university has had several closings and people have just been reluctant to come out. We just need better weather."

Despite bad weather, the exhibit is getting positive feedback from some students. "The photos are really pleasant and well-done, compositionally," Gabby Brooks, junior and art therapy major, said. "The whole aspect of the exhibit is easy to enjoy, especially if you like dogs and it's even better because the community can get involved by sending in their own pictures. The exhibit is great for Capital and plenty of people should want to be a part of it."

The Schumacher Galley requires no fee for admission and is open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m Monday-Friday.

Chris Morris
chimes@capital.edu