Julia N. Raysman displays photography at Cazenovia College

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Skinner's Barn, cyanotype by Julia Natalie Raysman

CAZENOVIA, NY (04/24/2013)(readMedia)-- The Cazenovia College Art Gallery in Reisman Hall is hosting exhibitions of work by students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program through the close of the semester. Currently, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates from the Studio Art and Photography programs are showing their work, which includes photographs, photographic installation, sound installation, sculpture, painting and printmaking. The exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

Julia Natalie Raysman of Nantucket, Mass., is majoring in studio art, specializing in photography, with a minor in biology. She is a graduate of Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, Mass. Raysman's exhibition, titled Portrait of a House, runs from May 1 to 4, and has opening and closing receptions: May 1, 4 - 6 p.m. and May 4, 3 - 5 p.m.

Raysman became interested in photography at age six when her mother let her use an old Nikon film camera. Since then Raysman has studied photography at a summer camp and in high school. At Cazenovia College she has found new and creative ways to use her photographs, experimenting in large format, digital, and alternative photographic practices. Since 2005 she has been a Nantucket Preservation Trust summer volunteer, learning about the architecture and preservation of historic buildings.

Dedicated to the preservation of old homes, and involved with preservation organizations on Nantucket, she writes, "Ever since my mom began working with the Nantucket Preservation Trust and Nantucket Historical Association on the island of Nantucket, I've been trying to find ways to save some of the historical houses that are falling down due to owner neglect. Having a passion for photography, I decided to use this artistic form in a way most people might not think of.

"I began using the cyanotype printing process as my main technique for this project because of its 19th century roots. Developing the negatives and printing them, visually gives the appearance of an image with a historical, nostalgic, and haunting feeling. The fabrics I use are previously owned linens and upholstery, some with graceful crocheted trim. I want the viewer to experience a dreamlike narrative from my photographic works. I hope that my installation activates viewers and makes them think about people who once lived in these majestic homes."

The Cazenovia College Art Gallery in Reisman Hall, 6 Sullivan St., is on the corner of Sullivan and Seminary streets in Cazenovia. Hours during the academic year are: Monday through Thursday, 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; Friday, 1-4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Summer hours vary. Shows and receptions are free and open to the public. The gallery is handicapped accessible.

For information contact Jen Pepper, gallery director, by e-mail to jpepper@cazenovia.edu. Information is also on the Web at www.cazenovia.edu/art-gallery.

Cazenovia College, founded in 1824, is an independent, co-educational, baccalaureate college near Syracuse, N.Y., offering a comprehensive liberal arts education in an exceptional community environment, with academic and co-curricular programs devoted to developing leaders in their professional fields. Cazenovia, named one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, is also a national College of Distinction. For more information, visit www.cazenovia.edu.

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