I spent Thursday morning with the band UltraChorus, taking photographs to promote the digital release of their 5 song EP. They are already garnering national attention, as can be seen from their mention on NPR’s Weekend America. For those who like their music in material form, UltraChorus has also produced a 7″ vinyl.
Have a listen.

(Click on the images for a better look)

Here are a few fun photographs from the digital camera used for part of the shoot. I shot mostly digital to provide quick turnaround for the band. However, due to my preference for film, I also took some color medium format and 35mm B&W which is pending processing.

I will be adding my favorites to the Photography section of my website. So check back soon.

Governor Pawlenty’s plan for the Perpich Center for Arts Education continues to receive a lot of local media attention. In the last two weeks many articles have been written about the past success of the institution and its current budget woes, including one by the Star Tribune. While school’s future is still in danger, public support seems to be growing.

I was recently interviewed by Shelia Regan of the TC Daily Planet in regards to Perpich’s future. The article highlights a variety of people who have benefited from the opportunities provided by the Perpich Center. You can read the article here.

Plaid. Plaid. Plaid.

I have settled into my new studio in the Ivy Building. Here are a few blurry images of the new space:

It has great light, though it’s short lived in the winter. The green wall is actually a green screen that my studio-mates, Brennan and Pete, use for their videos. Pretty cool.

After moving into the studio, I have been able to start on the next drawing from the ill series. Here is Medicine in its very early stages. I have been painting plaid for weeks now.

Governor Pawlenty’s recently released budget proposal hit a personal note.

It calls for the virtual elimination of the Perpich Center for Arts Education; converting it to a charter school and taking away almost all of its funding. These cuts would force the institution to end its housing option for students.
In 2001, I moved into the residence hall of Perpich to attend school. The Perpich Center for Arts Education was 240 miles away from my parents’ home, and to go there I paid to stay in the dormitory with half of the student population whose parents lived too far away to commute. Going to Perpich was a huge opportunity for me and many other rural students. Unlike the metropolitan area that has many options within commuting distance (including schools that have adequate art departments) my rural background did not allow for in depth arts education. My only real option for additional arts training while in high school was Perpich.

It was at Perpich that I learned to screenprint.

The elimination of the boarding house at the Perpich Center for Arts Education would make it impossible for rural Minnesota high school students to have a second chance at receiving the arts education their local school lacks. The Star Tribune had a front page article today on the consequences of Pawlenty’s proposed budget for the school. Please read it.