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Images of India and Sister City – Wooster Nagar are the two new exhibits to be presented in the Looney and Gault Galleries of Wayne Center for the Arts from November 10, 2011 to December 10, 2011. They feature over sixty photographs captured by Wooster residents Peg and Grant Cornwell, Dick Seaman and Stephen Shapiro during a visit to the South Asian country in January 2011.
 The Images of India exhibit highlight the diverse nature of this country of 1.2 billion people, capturing scenes of everyday life, landscapes, cityscapes, animals and the extraordinary, such as the Taj Mahal. The four photographers were joined on the trip by Bala Venkataraman, Dave and Gayle Noble, Doug Drushal, Dick’s wife, Judy, and Steve’s wife, Cheryl.
The Sister City – Wooster Nagar exhibit features photos by Seaman and Shapiro of the small fishing village near India’s southeastern tip which was devastated by a tsunami on 2004. A local group led by Venkataraman and his daughter, Bina, raised funds to rebuild the village of 26 families, which took on the name of Wooster Nagar, or Little Wooster. The group received a warm welcome and an extensive tour of the new village which is reflected in the photos.
According to Shapiro, “India is a country of very diverse people—and culture—that presents an absolute wonderland for a photographer. Our Indian exhibit captures only a very small part of that diversity.”
Seaman believes that, “India is a kaleidoscope of multi-cultures and micro-economies thriving in a state of chaos”
Peg Cornwell states that for her and Grant, “Our visit to India was primarily to strengthen connections with The College of Wooster alumni, parents and friends. We were fortunate to have local people guide us to sights not always seen including the Kolkata flower market at dawn, a private boys school and the Agra fort. These pictures evoke memories of a complicated and colorful land and its people who received our visit warmly and with great enthusiasm.”
Dick Seaman is President and CEO of Seaman Corporation in Wooster, a manufacturer of vinyl coated industrial fabrics. Steve Shapiro is the retired Chairman of the Board of Wooster Iron & Metal Company. Grant and Peg Cornwell came to Wooster three years ago when Grant joined the College of Wooster as its President.
An opening reception celebrating the new exhibit will be held Thursday, November 10 from 6 to 8 pm at the Wayne Center for the Arts. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and a selection of Indian food and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by calling the Wayne Center Front Desk at 330-264-2787 x 201.
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