Public Forum on Lynching at the University of Redlands

The Department of Art and the Department of Art History at the University of Redlands invite participation in a public forum, Lynched: Reflection and Resistance at the Peppers Art Gallery, Thursday, Mar. 6, 2008, 7 to 9 p.m. A reception with the artists follows at the University’s Alumni House.

The public forum responds to the exhibition, The Edge of Conscience: The Long Shadow of Lynching that runs Feb. 19 to Mar. 16, 2008 at the Peppers Art Gallery.

University of Redlands’ Professor Ann Marie Leimer will moderate the panel. She said, “Most people think of lynching as a phenomenon that took place only in the South, but it also occurred in California as well as many other places in the Unites States. In California, Mexicans were often targets of these racist attacks.”

Dr. Leimer added, “Historically, the issue of the victim's guilt is secondary or often inconsequential in a lynching. The mob serves as prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner. Grounded in a discussion of artworks produced by Ann Tyler and Constance White, the panel will explore the impact of lynching and its effect on the American psyche. The panel will also examine these issues within the context of recent events, such as the Jena 6.”

The distinguished panel includes the artists Professors Ann Tyler and Constance White, from the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as scholars Dr. Sheila Lloyd, University of Redlands, and Dr. Tiffany López, University of California, Riverside.

Since the exhibition and forum will examine issues of racial violence in the United States, it may not be suitable for all audiences. This event has been generously supported by Student Life, Diversity Affairs, Women’s Studies, Race and Ethnic Studies, the Department of Art and the Department of Art History at the University of Redlands.

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For more information please contact: Ann Marie Leimer, Ph.D., University or Redlands, (909) 748-8505, ann_leimer@redlands.edu

Fine Art, Digital and Documentary Photography Classes and Workshops

Jesús Manuel Mena Garza is available for instruction, lectures, panels and lunch!

Fine Art Darkroom Techniques
The Digital Darkroom
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
Digital Photography

Fine Art Darkroom Techniques

* The Zone System
* Modified Developers
* Archival Washing - Making Your Print Last A Lifetime
* Toning - Extend the Range and Life of Your Prints
* Selecting Papers and Chemistry
* Dodging and Burning
* Selecting and Using Enlargers, Lenses and Other Equipment
* Preparing Your Prints For Exhibition

The Digital Darkroom

* Photoshop Basics - Image Editing and Manipulation
* Photoshop Advanced - Layers, Monitor and Printer Calibration, etc.
* Negative, Transparency and Print Scanning
* Color and Black and White Printing
* Large-Format Printing
* Selecting Papers and Inks

Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

* Story Boarding
* Previsualization
* The Narrative - Your Unique Vision
* Photography Equipment - Cameras, Lenses and Lighting
* Composition
* Archiving
* Travel Photography

Digital Photography

* Learn how to use your digital camera (one-on-one instruction is now available - 2 hours minimum plus travel charges)
* Current Digital Technologies - Selecting The Right Equipment
* The Digital Work Space
* Making Your Computer Work For You
* Photoshop Basics - Image Editing and Manipulation
* Memory and Storage Systems
* Portrait Photography - Cameras, Studio Lighting, Backgrounds and Composition
* Location Photography

Garza was an instructor at San Francisco's prestigious Academy of Art University. The photographer has more than 30 years of professional experience. Along with exhibiting his photographs, Garza's images have been published in books, catalogs, magazines, posters and on the Internet. Please feel free to contact him should you have any questions about classes or photography.

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The Obama Effect

This year, after waiting decades and enduring many disappointments, finally, it appears that America's political paradigm is about to change. Yes, change is in the wind this election season and Barack Obama is its messenger. Obama has inspired this old Chicano like no other politician in the past 30 years. Spread the news, America has found a new leader.

Since I was child, I assumed that only old white men could run for president. That was just how it was because of economics and racism. Well, today is a new day and my cynicism has given way to optimism. Who would have ever thought that this 55 year old Chicano lefty could develop such a bright outlook.

Having participated in the Viet Nam antiwar and the social justice movements of the 60s and 70s, I find America is on the cusp of transcendent change because of Obama. This is great news. On the flip side, I now consider myself an anachronism, a curious relic of past race and class wars.

Today, I look to the future with optimism knowing that leaders like Obama have the intelligence and will to make America and the world a better place. For a lifetime I have been waiting for such an inspirational leader.

I firmly believe that Barack Obama is the by far the best candidate for president of the United States. Obama will end the Iraq war, work with both Democrats and Republicans to create a new health care system and strive for peace and stability around the world. Please vote for Obama for president. Yes, it is time for a change.

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