by Pete Rosenbery
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The notable work of women photojournalists is highlighted in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum this spring.
Acclaimed photojournalist Anna Rose Layden will be the guest speaker at a Feb. 22 reception from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the museum. The event is free and open to the public.
WPOW: Women Photojournalists of Washington, a photography and multimedia traveling exhibition featuring 23 examples of standout visual journalism with narratives, is in the museum’s Atrium Gallery through May 10. One of Layden’s photos — showing supporters of U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, celebrating the congresswoman’s November 2022 victory at an election watch party in Fredericksburg — is among the works on display. Photos include scenes from across the country and around the world.
Anna Rose Layden“It’s a unique honor for SIU to be able to host this traveling exhibition from WPOW, from photojournalists covering our nation’s capital and who make up the press corps in Washington, D.C,” said Julia Rendleman, an assistant professor of journalism in College of Arts and Media and previous WPOW member. “It’s even more special that we get an evening with Anna Rose Layden. SIU students and community members can ask what it’s like to cover the news in a changing time for our democracy and the news industry too.”
Layden will also visit two of Rendleman’s photojournalism classes while she is on campus.
“I’m thrilled and hope this is a relationship we can continue to invest in and hopefully host WPOW exhibitions in years to come,” Rendleman said.
WM Weston Stoerger, the museum’s curator of exhibits, noted the exhibition’s significance.
“In times as chaotic as the one we live in, exhibitions like this one are perfect at reminding us of the ups and the downs, and just how much we have collectively been through,” he said. “The Sharp Museum is honored to be able to host the work of these amazing photographers.”