The Messenger 04.24.08

They range from a black-and-white closeup of an 18th Century waterwheel to an art deco advertisement from the 1950s. They span the state from Memphis to the Smokies. And they evoke past eras from King Cotton to the slave trade.
“They” are the 22 top-place finishers in “Viewing History,” the 2007 photo contest sponsored by Scenic Tennessee and the Tennessee Preservation Trust. The photos are on display in the University Museum at the University of Tennessee at Martin through May 30.
“We are delighted to be able to share these images with northwest Tennessee,” said Richard Saunders, museum director. “The images capture a broad swath of Tennessee history and culture and the talent is a nice cross-section of amateur and professional, student and adult. I’m especially pleased because one of the photos is of a Union City landmark and was taken by local photographer Emily Elliston.”
The 22 winning images were selected by a three-member jury from a field of more than 130 submissions submitted by photographers from across the state. The judges included Susan Whitaker, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; Patrick McIntyre, executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission; and Joy McKenzie, chair of the photography department at Watkins College of Art & Design in Nashville, which printed the winners for the traveling exhibit.
“Viewing History” is free and open to the public during weekday business hours. The museum is accessible from the Special Collections/University Archives reading room just off the Paul Meek Library lobby. Parking is available beside the library and a free permit is available at the library circulation desk.
For other visitor information, call the museum at (731) 881-7094.