“Mentors” is an exhibition of work by BFA Photography students inspired by their mentorship with key figures in the New York arts community. Drawn from the ranks of city’s best-known photographers, curators, art directors, publishers, art dealers, critics and writers, the mentors are paired with students based on their field of expertise and the student’s area of concentration. The 2013 – 2014 mentors include photographer Ryan McGinley; Kathy Ryan, director of photography for The New York Times Magazine; Jody Quon, photography director of New York magazine; and photographer Laurie Simmons, among others. The exhibition will be on view March 22 through April 5 at the SVA Chelsea Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th floor, New York City.

Established in 1992, the Mentors program at SVA is designed to cultivate relationships between the professional community and emerging artists and to introduce new talent to the New York arts community. Stephen Frailey, chair of BFA Photography and curator of the exhibition, explains, “We seek to provide our students with opportunities that support their growth as professional artists. Working with these mentors offers our students an invaluable learning experience, one that inspires them and challenges them.”

BFA Photography students at SVA immerse themselves in all aspects of commercial and fine art photography, gaining a better understanding of various genres, ideas and vocabularies. With access to cutting-edge facilities—as well as a 100-plus faculty of photographers, museum directors, critics, art directors, photo editors and photography collectors—they are able to hone their craft and cultivate their own sensibility and visual style.

Exhibition

Mentors

SVA Chelsea Gallery

Reception