photo by Michelle Bates
We last visited the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum shortly before they opened in St. Louis for Mini-Flood 10. We have been invited to return and see what has changed, and what is still in store for this Grand Center institution.
photo by Jason Gray
photo by Donna Burch
photo by Michelle Bates
photo by Josh Simpson
photo by Michelle Bates
IPHF has been open for nearly four years in St. Louis, and it seems like they have carved a nice niche for themselves with the local community from which to build (read a history of the organization in our first post here). After our first event there, I was asked to join the Institution’s Exhibitions Committee, where I quickly took on a curatorial role. From there, I was offered the position of Director of Exhibitions and Facilities where I continued to curate and design exhibitions. I mention this only out of transparency to the reader.
photo by Josh Simpson
photo by Allen Casey
photo by Michelle Bates
Since I left in 2015, much has changed at IPHF. Patty Wente was promoted to Executive Director, and has grown the Museum according to her vision along with the support of an excellent Advisory Committee and a dedicated team of volunteers. The exhibition schedule over the last two years, including the current show on Occupation-era Japan photos by Nicholas Orzio, has concentrated upon bodies of work from the permanent collection, which has enabled the Institution to work on ensuring its footing. This strategy has proved effective, as IPHF plans to soon add permanent positions to its staff, and will host an exciting touring exhibit on the relationship of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (opening in May). In addition, Ms. Wente has successfully relocated the Museum’s important collection to an upgraded storage environment, and championed the Hall of Fame’s first induction ceremony in years.
photo by Michelle Bates
photo by Jason Gray
photo by Allen Casey (PFSTL Founder Jason Gray getting notes from IPHF Director of Operations, Amanda Carvalho)
photo by Allen Casey
The mission of the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum is broad. It provides storage and care to a dynamic collection of photographs and photographic ephemera, honors photography’s innovators and greatest artists with its Hall of Fame, hosts exhibitions intended to be of international significance, and provides educational support to the local community. It is this last commitment that represents the most visible change since our Group’s last visit: the Museum now has a large, connected, multimedia display. The device was provided with support from Schiller’s Camera, and will offer a welcome dimension to both intra-exhibit didactics and to educationally oriented presentations by visiting artists and scholars.
photo by Jason Gray
photo by Allen Casey
photo by Josh Simpson
If you haven’t been to the Museum or haven’t been in a while, it is time for a visit. Likewise, as the Institution continues to grow, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved or to show your support via donation. Check out IPHF.org for more info.
photo by Josh Simpson
photo by Michelle Bates
photo by Donna Burch
photo by Jason Gray
