The University of Southern Indiana (USI), in partnership with New Harmony, Indiana, will host the MidWest Society for Photographic Education (SPE) Conference from Thursday to Saturday, October 17-19. This significant event will bring together educators, students, and artists to explore new ideas in photography and digital imaging, while highlighting the unique offerings of USI and New Harmony.
Brooke Shaden, a contemporary photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona, will deliver the keynote lecture at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 18, in Forum 1 (WA1) on USI’s campus. Following her lecture, a gallery reception will be held at 7 p.m. at the McCutchan Art Center (MAC)/PACE Galleries, featuring Shaden’s latest work alongside other exhibits.
Rob Dickes, Associate Professor of Photography and Digital Imaging at USI, organized the conference, which is themed Visions of Utopia. He is eager to showcase USI’s resources and talent to attendees. “Hosting the MidWest SPE Conference is a fantastic opportunity to spotlight our university and the vibrant artistic community of New Harmony,” Dickes says. “I especially want community college and high school faculty to see the Art Center and the remarkable work our students are creating.”
The MAC/PACE Galleries are currently featuring two compelling exhibits. The first gallery displays Shaden’s series Samsara, which explores how different cultures internalize grief and practice death rituals. Her thought-provoking images invite viewers into a rich and emotional dialogue surrounding life, death, and transformation.
In Galleries 2 and 3, visitors will find Classic & Contemporary: Selections from the Paul Paletti Collection, showcasing a range of works from Paletti’s distinguished photography collection. Paul Paletti, an attorney and renowned art collector, has generously loaned pieces from his collection to USI and will attend the conference to share insights about the works on display.
The MidWest SPE Conference at USI is set to be an enriching event for both the university and the broader community, offering a unique opportunity for dialogue and discovery in the field of photography.
