West campus news Releases Archive

Historic photographic exhibit remains at ASU's West campus

Nov. 30, 2005

Popular demand extends The Schwemberger Photographs exhibit through January

The Schwemberger Photographs exhibit will remain at Arizona State University’s West campus through Jan. 27. The exhibit, which opened Nov. 1, is a collection of more than 100 compelling images of native American peoples, homes and landscapes dating back to 1902. The exhibit remains on display in Fletcher Library at ASU’s West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix.

“We are pleased to extend this remarkable exhibit” said Emily Cutrer, dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. “This provides us with another opportunity to share the exhibition with as many people as possible. It’s also a celebration of the way our community has embraced these historical images.”

The exhibit features images taken by Brother Simeon Schwemberger while he lived at St. Michaels Mission near Window Rock, Ariz. in the early 1900s. Schwemberger traveled the Navajo and Hopi reservations, photographing images of Native American peoples, ancient pueblos and the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. He produced the images using glass plate negatives, considered state-of-the-art technology at that time. Earlier this year, St. Michaels Mission deeded 1,750 of Schwemberger’s fragile glass plates to ASU.

A fully illustrated catalog, “The Schwemberger Photographs: An acquisition from the Franciscan Southwest Mission,” is now available to exhibit visitors. It includes little known details about the photographer, essays chronicling the historical and cultural significance of the photos, and several images currently displayed in the exhibition. The catalog may be purchased from Fletcher Library for $10.

“Academic interest in the Schwemberger collection—inspired by the exhibit and the catalog—has led to the development of a book prospectus that we’ll share with potential publishers early next year,” said Rob Taylor, chair of the department of Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance. “This and extensions of the exhibition regionally, nationally and internationally will result in a long and rewarding life for the Schwemberger initiative."

Taylor will travel to Europe in January to discuss potential gallery and museum possibilities for the Schwemberger collection. He is currently negotiating with colleagues in Eire and Northern Ireland for touring opportunities there, which could debut fall 2007. Additionally, several images will be displayed at the 2006 Hopi Centennial, a 100 year celebration commemorating the Hopi’s split from the Village of Oraibi. 

“It was an exciting challenge bringing the Schwemberger collection together,” said Taylor. “However, this wonderful exhibit might not have been possible without the continuing support of the St. Michaels Mission and the generous contributions of our donors.”

The Schwemberger exhibit is part of the 2005-2006 arts and performance season, produced by the department of Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance. The season includes visual arts exhibits and installations, theatrical and musical performances typically highlighting the research and creative work of faculty and students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. For more information visit www.west.asu.edu/iap/events, or call (602) 543-ARTS (2787).

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