Photographers embrace beauty during working trip to France
by Bernie Scheffler, editor-in-chief

    Several TCC students who participated in the art department’s first Photography in France program have opened an exhibition of their work on NE Campus.
The exhibition runs through Nov. 12 in CAB College Hall, with an opening reception tomorrow night, 7-9 p.m.

   Kristin Coates, one of the students in the exhibition, said she is excited to have the chance to show her photographs.

   “This is the first group exhibition I’ve ever participated in, so I’m excited. With so many people coming to see my work, I want it to be great,” she said.

   Patricia D. Richards, NE instructor of photography, led the group of students on the inaugural program. Richards also leads non-credit photo workshops to the same region in France.

   Photography in France gives students a chance to earn three hours of photography credit while experiencing the unique photographic opportunities of central France, Richards said.

   The students stayed on a private estate in the Loir River Valley and made several day trips to nearby cities and villages.

   “We worked our butts off on this trip. I was expecting it to be a little more relaxed, but looking back, I’m glad it wasn’t,” Coates said.

   “Now the hard work is paying off,” she said.

   The organizing and planning of the trip were the hardest work, Richards said, though she plans to do it again.

   “I had some help from the community. Film Depot gave two $500 scholarships for the trip. Now, CC’s Coffee has agreed to provide refreshments for our opening reception,” she said.

   In addition to the two scholarships, Film Depot gave assistance to a third student, Laura Fagerstone, in the form of film and photo supplies, Richards said.

   Since the first trip was a success, plans are being made for next summer’s Photography in France program, May 8-19.

   Richards hopes she can keep the program small.

   “Enrollment is limited to the first 12 students who pay the deposit, so it’s important to sign up early,” she said

   For more information on the 2003 photography in France program, students may call the NE art department at 817-515-6830 or e-mail Richards at prichards2@earthlink.net.