As leaves fall annually the Mountain Workshops draw a team of dedicated teachers and determined learners to a small Kentucky town, where together they explore the richness of community, the beauty of landscape, and the possibilities and challenges of visual storytelling. In 2009 the gathering place for the 34th workshops is Murray, Ky., in Calloway County.
The Photojournalism Workshop focuses on still photography, as coaches and participants explore individual character, the give and take of relationships, the deeply-felt sense of belonging to a place and the pride of participating in a shared heritage.
The Picture Editing Workshop draws on the design sensibilities and electronic publishing expertise of its coaches to help participants learn to weave photographs and text together into memorable narratives.
The Multimedia Workshop challenges participants to gather still images, record sound and shoot video, and then use cutting-edge digital and online tools to spin all these threads into stories that captivate.
Over the last 35 years, the Workshops has influenced thousands of people – many of them in life-changing ways. When asked what was the most important part of their experience, some talk about the spectacular beauty of the environment, others praise the excellence of the programs, the world-renowned faculty or state-of-the-art equipment. Many respond by acknowledging the staff and their dedication to creating exceptional experiences. The comment received most often, however, reflects what is created when all these essential elements coexist: an appreciation for the ability to completely immerse oneself in one’s art and become part of a community passionate about creativity.
There are many different programs at the Workshops. Some concentrate on lab or studio work where others involve field trips to view the enchanting scenery. What they all have in common is an opportunity to remove oneself from the demands of everyday life and join a passionate community committed to learning a new skill or improving one’s work. While discussions of theory, history and criticism may be part of any workshop, what sets these workshops apart is a dedication to making. Students learn by doing, by trying new things, by seeing what works and what doesn’t.
Besides the programs themselves, there is no shortage of other opportunities for growth at the Workshops. Whether waking before dawn to catch the early morning light, attending after dinner gallery shows or screenings of work from some of the world’s finest artists, or working into the night on projects or assignments, the Workshops experience is intense and all encompassing. It affords the participant the opportunity to live one’s passion 24/7.
Full days are punctuated with hearty meals served under the eating tent or in the dining hall. This is a time for informal discussions with classmates and faculty as well as to meet other people at the Workshops involved in related programs. The spirit of sharing that permeates the community destroys any pretense and breaks down barriers of age and experience. Participants end their rich days at any of a wide variety of accommodations both on- and off-campus.
The week’s end is capped by a traditional Maine lobster dinner complete with corn on the cob and baked potatoes (alternative choices are always available). The campus community then usually gathers in the sound stage to celebrate the week’s hard work. Expertly produced presentations premiere the creations of each week’s workshops. It is amazing to see the quality of what can be accomplished with such intense energy in just one week’s time!
Faculty members and staff have made a couple of trips this spring to Murray, Ky., sight of the 2009 Mountain Workshops. Just last week we toured Murray State University’s basketball stadium, a possible location for the headquarters. While looking thru one of the storage closets we ran across this sign. Seems to me that the photo gods are speaking to us and telling us where we need to be.
In the meantime, put Oct. 27 – Oct. 31 (Nov. 1 if you are in the picture editing workshop) on your calendar to attend this year’s workshops. We will begin taking applications soon. Check in often at mountainworkshops.org/apply for application updates, prices and for a list of this year’s faculty.
