Bryce Canyon, Utah; Glacier National Park, Mont.
and Mesa Verde, Colo., all can be visited by purchasing a plane
ticket and a National Park Pass.
But through May 13, there is another way, one that is much easier
on the wallet and daybook—simply visit the MacMillan Law Library
in Gambrell Hall.
That’s where a pair of photography exhibits are on display
for the next two-and-a-half weeks. “‘Wish You Were There’:
Portraits of the Earth and Other Beautiful Things,” a 36-photograph
exhibit by Carolyn Wright, and “A Natural Perspective,”
a 26-photo display by David Ray, are available for viewing on floors
2–4 of the library.
“The thought is to provide something visual for library users,”
said Veronica Carlson, director of circulation services for the
law school library. “I think the art exhibits add a lot to
what could be a very sterile environment.”
The MacMillan Law Library has a permanent art collection and a gallery
that rotates four times a year. The nature photography exhibit featuring
Wright and Ray began its run on March 12.
The genesis of the current exhibit is a bit special; Carlson knew
Wright, ’92L, from the latter’s days as a law student
at Emory—she worked at the circulation desk.
Later on, Carlson became acquainted with Wright’s photographs
and about two years ago invited her to put together a display (gallery
showings in the law library are booked far in advance).
After that, at a nature photography workshop at the Rocky Mountain
School of Photography in Montana, Wright met Ray, who at the time
was teaching in Emory’s legal writing, research and advocacy
program. She invited him to contribute to the
showing.
Both collections on display feature intimate nature scenes and dramatic
landscapes from the western United States, mixed with a handful
from Georgia and other parts of the Southeast. Wildlife is abundant;
Wright’s collection includes vibrant photos of a lynx and
a mountain goat and one of Ray’s photos is a dramatic snapshot
of a cormorant grasping a newly caught fish in its beak.
While similar in makeup, each collection has distinctions as well.
Closeups of flowers are a prominent piece of Ray’s collection.
Wright includes a couple of portraits.
For Wright, the exhibit is particularly special since she now is
on the law school staff. Wright serves as assistant dean for academic
affairs. She previously worked in the litigation group at King &
Spalding and before that for the firm of Neely & Player.
“It’s been great. People have gotten to know me because
of the photos,” said Wright, who started her Emory job in
January. “A lot of faculty members have commented that they’ve
enjoyed the exhibit. It’s a good ice breaker. It’s been
good for students, too. If I wasn’t here, they might just
say, ‘nice photos’ and walk on by, but instead they
see them and ask more about them.”
Ray now is working as lands program director for the Southern Appalachian
Highlands Conservancy in Asheville, N.C.
All photographs are for sale, and each print’s price is displayed
next to it. They range between $75 and $250. Wright said she has
not sold any photos yet, but has gotten several inquiries about
them as well as her other work.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
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