7 Can’t Miss Events at the Olympus InVision Photo Festival

By Emily Cummins, ArtsQuest Public Relations Coordinator

Celebrating its seventh year, the 2016 Olympus InVision Photo Festival looks to continue its success by providing intimate access to world-class photographers like Ian Ruhter and George Kalinsky, while shifting its focus to hands-on workshops and all-new immersive experiences that engage photographers of all skill levels. With that in mind, ArtsQuest and Olympus invite you to join them Nov. 4-6 for these can’t miss events.

1. Ian Ruhter

   A contemporary photographer who has worked to create the world’s largest wet plate collodion direct positives, Ian Ruhter will debut his most recent project, “Carnival of Dreams,” featuring work from his “Slab City” series depicting life at a homeless encampment in California’s Imperial and Coachella Valley. His exhibition will premiere with an artist lecture Nov. 4 in the Banana Factory’s Banko Gallery and on Nov. 5, he will partner with filmmaker Lauren Vance to show a documentary film about “Carnival of Dreams” and host a talkback session.

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2. In the Footsteps of Walker Evans

   Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

   Photographers looking to combine their love of history with their medium can spend Sunday afternoon with Olympus Visionary Frank Smith as he leads a guided photography excursion through south Bethlehem. This workshop retraces the work of Evans, the photojournalist who famously captured industrial life in the steel town while documenting the effects of the Great Depression for the Farm Security Administration in the 1930s.

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3. George Kalinsky

   Headlining InVision is George Kalinsky, the house photographer for Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall for more than five decades. During his career, Kalinsky has captured a who’s who of the sports and entertainment industries, including iconic images of John Lennon, Michael Jordan, Elvis Presley and Mohammed Ali. He has also published 10 books and won countless awards including Pratt Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

   Kalinsky’s work has been exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the International Center of Photography and Tokyo’s Olympus Plaza Gallery, and his concert photography is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. During InVision, a selection of his photos from the private collection of Monica and David Willard will be on display inside the Alvin H. Butz Gallery at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Kalinsky will also lecture Nov. 5, 1-2 p.m., at the ArtsQuest Center.

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4. The Pints and Pics Happy Hour

   Nov. 5, 5:30-9 p.m.

   New to the festival this year is the Pints and Pics Happy Hour at the InVision Photo Party, which offers a unique array of live photography opportunities designed to help people enhance their skills. Party goers will get to test the newest gear Olympus has to offer, including cameras and lenses, at photo stations with skateboarders; dancers; fire spinners; food and concert photography. Olympus Visionaries & Trailblazers will be on hand to offer tips, and the party will conclude with the awards ceremony for the Pennsylvania Photographers’ and College Photographers’ competitions.

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5. InVision Photo Party and Awards Ceremony

   Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m.

   In addition to live music, dancing and refreshments, guests can enjoy a roaming virtual exhibition of photography throughout the ArtsQuest Center followed by an awards ceremony for The Morning Call Young Photographer’s Scholastic Photo Competition, The Pennsylvania Photographer’s Competition, The College Photographer’s Competition and more.

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6. InVision 48 Hour Film Festival

   The new 48 Hour Film Festival challenges filmmakers to produce a short film in 48 hours. Participants will choose between three genres and be given a specific line of dialogue, a character name and specific prop. Selected films will be screened at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks Nov. 6.

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7. First Friday

   Nov. 4 6-9 p.m.

   Meet Banana Factory’s resident artists for free workshops focused on the innovative ways artists use photos in other mediums including image transfer; screen printing and apparel design; etching on jewelry and photo pendants; incorporating photos into glass art; and more.

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For more information on the Olympus Invision Photo Festival, visit InVisionPhotoFestival.org