Opening Reception WITNESS: Photojournalism

WITNESS: Photojournalism
(Watsonville)—Worker’s Rights; Equal Rights; Civil Unrest; Environmental Protection. These and other issues of our daily lives have a long history. What we remember is often the iconic photographs representing historical moments published in newspapers, magazines and today’s online resources.

Witness: Photojournalism opens April 5 and will run through May 21, 2017 and showcases the work of some of our renowned, local photojournalists: Bob Fitch, Sam Vestel, Joe Ravetz, Shmuel Thaler and Tarmo Hannula. Mr. Fitch’s work, featuring the protests held by Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez, speaks to issues which resonate today throughout our community and country: labor rights, economic and social equality. Mr. Ravetz’s work highlights the plight of the homeless population. Mr. Vestal’s work shows the historic past of the Monterey Bay region. Mr. Thaler and Mr. Hannula’s work reflect the current lives, environment and issues faced in Santa Cruz County. All these photojournalists have lived and worked in Santa Cruz County as witnesses to the beauty and uniqueness of our area and to our lives on a daily basis.

Witness! Is one of seven exhibits PVA will produce in 2017. We believe this exhibit’s particular importance is that each artist has captured images which reflect our changing times. Shown together they underscore the impact of truth within an historical framework.