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Artist /professor gives back to students
BY KELSEY ROTHE
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
ISSUE: 78/24
SUBMITTED ARTWORK
“God’s Coloring Book,” a picture of Lake
Superior captured by Professor Tornabene.
SUBMITTED ARTWORK
“Heart Song”
University of Minnesota Duluth Health Education Associate Professor Dr. Ladona Tornabene is hosting an exhibit called the “Professor as Photographer Scholarship Fund.” There is more to this exhibit than just scenic photos from the Duluth area; all the proceeds are going directly to students. “Professor as Photographer Scholarship Fund,” will be on display throughout the month of March at the Master Framing Gallery.
The idea for the scholarship fund dawned on Tornabene at a hotel room in Los Angeles while she pondered ideas of how she could give back to her students. There have been instances when Tornabene has seen students fall short of reaching their goals due to a lack of finances or not being able to continue education after unseen circumstances. “This is about empowering my students,” said Tornabene. “My photography is simply a tool in the process.”
The art exhibit itself actually happened on a chance of fate.
Tornabene had desired to have a show for two years, and one day, fate stepped in. While having a picture matted at the local Master Framing Gallery, owner Krista Carson mentioned she was familiar with Tornabene’s work. The encounter sparked the discussion about having a show that would greatly benefit students at UMD. Carson has even remodeled the store for the reception. “I really think the show will be a success; it will benefit so many people,” said Kirby Schmidt, co-organizer for the exhibit.
Tornabene is involved in every step of the production process as she captures, develops and prints all of her own work. She also takes the time to write individual stories to go along with each of her larger prints.
This year, she also decided to include stories on some of her smaller prints, so that more people had access to them. These stories are detailed accounts of the experiences she had while taking the pictures.
Along with allowing enough time to produce her work, finding sponsors for the exhibit also proved to be a difficult task. Dr. Tornabene stated that the best thing about being a photographer in the Duluth area is “the scenery.” “The access to the lake and the green space here is amazing,” she said.
