The Art Gallery at Western New England University will host "The Weight of Air," a cross-disciplinary, multi-media exhibition by photographer, videographer, and imaging specialist James Gehrt, from April 16 to May 20. The gallery, located in the St. Germain Campus Center, will host an opening reception Sunday, April 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. There will also be a gallery talk on Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. where the artist will offer insight into his work. All gallery events are free and open to the public.
James Gehrt is a fine art photographer and imaging specialist residing in western Massachusetts. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design, his career began by assisting and printing for commercial and fine art photographers. Currently Gehrt is the Digital Project Lead in the department of Digital Assets and Preservation Services at Mount Holyoke College Library. He has been awarded a 2009 and 2010 National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE) Technology Fellow, concentrating on new digitization technologies. His workshops in digitization best practices have been taught at the New England Archivists annual conference, Simmons College Continuing Education, NITLE, and the METRO Library Group in New York City.
Gehrt has produced seven self-published titles over the past eight years. His book titled "Source" was acquired by the Smith College Mortimer Rare Book Room in 2013.
"The camera is a tool that allows me to capture the way I see the world around me," says Gehrt. "In one sense, I am not creating, I am reacting to my surroundings. A moment, a place, a space, or an object is felt. If I did not have my camera with me, it would not be any different. However, without the camera, I would not be able to share my experiences with you."
For information, including hours and directions, to the Art Gallery at Western New England University call the University at 413- 782-1203 or visit http://www1.wne.edu/student-activities/the-arts.cfm.
