Photography Exhibit to Focus on Environmental Issues

A photography exhibit that focuses on environmental issues ranging from toxic waste to wildlife management will open at Baylor University's Martin Museum of Art on Sept. 5. The works of Tammy Cromer-Campbell and Joann Brennan will remain on exhibit through Oct. 14.
Campbell, a professional photographer from Longview, first became involved in environmental photography in 1994 when she was asked to shoot some photographs for a campaign to raise public awareness of the dangerous and toxic conditions believed to exist in the East Texas community of Winona and to garner public support for shutting down the facility believed to be responsible.
"As the 15-minute photography session progressed, I found myself becoming deeply concerned about what was happening to this community and its residents. Through the lens of a plastic Holga camera, I tell their story," she said.
Campbell also has published a book, "Fruit of the Orchard," which addresses the sociological consequences of economic change and examines the long-term effects of modern technology on the human condition. Her works are in the permanent collections at such art museums as Houston's Museum of Fine Art and the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at he University of Texas.
She will deliver a special public lecture about her work from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Sept. 26 at the museum. Copies of her book also will be available.
Brennan is an associate professor of photography and chair of the visual arts department at the University of Colorado in Denver and Health Sciences Center. Her photographic work, "Managing Eden," explores the complex relationship between wildlife and human concerns.
"For the past 16 years I have been making photographs that question how we define wildness and how we value nature," she said. "I have photographed conservation, hunting, habitat manipulation and animal research, looking for moments of contact between man and animal. I feel these moments tell us something about the complexity of our relationship to nature.
The Martin Museum is located in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center on the Baylor campus. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The museum is closed during university holidays. Admission is free. For more information, call 710-1867 or visit the museum website at www.baylor.edu/martinmuseum.