Pratt Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) Gallery will present “Eye on the Strand,” a group exhibition that features the work of the three winners and 20 finalists of Pratt, the Aperture Foundation, and Strand Book Store's first-ever photography contest. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will run from July 15 – August 26, 2009 and will include creative photo representations of the Strand Book Store.
The winning photographs were Strand Shadows by Josh Robinson, Upside Down by Cary Conover, and Strand, The Dreamer's Land by Manjari Sharma. The latter was also the viewer's choice winner according to visitors to the “Eye on the Strand” website.
The “Eye on the Strand” photo contest kicked off last November and concluded March 31, 2009. The winners were selected by a prestigious panel of judges who based their decisions on overall photographic and artistic quality, originality, and how the photos best represent the Strand Book Store. The winning images were culled from over 500 submissions by amateur and professional photographers.
The contest judges include Cheryl Stockton, Pratt Institute adjunct professor, CCPS Photography and Digital Imaging; Lesley A. Martin, publisher, Aperture Books program; Charlie Rhyne, photography book buyer for the Strand Book Store; Paul Amador, co-owner of New York City's Cohen Amador Gallery; Jeffrey Ladd, photographer and creator of 5b4.blogspot.com; and Darren Ching, creative director of Photo District News and co-owner of Brooklyn's Klompching Gallery.
In addition to their work being displayed at Pratt Institute's CCPS gallery, the grand prize winner will receive an afternoon with internationally renowned photographer Mary Ellen Mark, including lunch at New York's famous Balthazar Restaurant and a collection of 50 photography books published by Aperture.
CCPS offers a wide variety of educational opportunities outside of Pratt's traditional degree programs. These programs are designed for people seeking to enter new professions; practicing professionals wishing to update their knowledge and acquire skills in specialized fields; young people wishing to explore their talents and learn about careers; and individuals seeking self-development and personal enrichment. Certificate programs include computer graphics, photography and digital imaging, project management, and fine and decorative art appraisal.
Pratt Institute's main office for CCPS is located at Pratt Institute's Manhattan Center in Chelsea at 144 West 14th Street, however, courses are offered at both Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses. CCPS gallery is located on the second floor of the West 14th Street building and is adjacent to Pratt Manhattan Gallery.
To view the images by the three winners as well as the 20 finalists, please visit The Strand's online photography gallery at www.eyeonthestrand.com.