PNC and Cranbrook Institute of Science Present National Geographic’s “Women of Vision” Exhibition
Contact:
Robert J. Darmanin
(248) 729-8478
robert.darmanin@pnc.com
Stephen Pagnani
Cranbrook Educational Community
(248) 645-3224
(248) 978-5362 cell
spagnani@cranbrook.edu
PNC and Cranbrook Institute of Science Present National Geographic’s “Women of Vision” Exhibition
Southeast Michigan to be First Midwest Stop on Multi-City Tour
Bloomfield Hills, Mich., August 25, 2014 – PNC and Cranbrook Institute of Science are collaborating to present the first Midwest stop for “Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment” starting September 14 and continuing through December 30 at the Institute of Science. Showcasing the influential work of 11 award-winning female photojournalists from National Geographic in nearly 100 photographs, “Women of Vision” explores the stories of our planet including its people, geography, wildlife and cultures in the 125-year tradition of National Geographic.
“PNC is bringing ‘Women of Vision’ to Michigan so our local communities can experience first-hand the remarkable work of these photographers who use the visual arts as a storytelling medium to transform cultural perceptions,” said PNC Regional President Ric DeVore. “This is a groundbreaking exhibition that will make a lasting impression on everyone who visits during its Cranbrook run.”
In the last decade, some of the most powerful and important stories published by National Geographic have featured the photographic work of a trailblazing new generation of women. From the savannahs of Botswana and rainforests of New Guinea to the war torn streets of Libya and Afghanistan, and the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the Mongolian steppe, “Women of Vision” distills the work of these photographers and the powerful stories their photos tell into a compelling look at life on our planet in the 21st Century.
Video components allow the visitor to learn more about the work through interviews with the photographers featured. Describing their work, vision, and the actual encounters behind the photographs reveals the excitement and challenges of photo documentation in some of the most unusual and even dangerous situations.
“’National Geographic’s Women of Vision’ is the most exciting and impactful exhibition of any I have known in my 20-year history at Cranbrook,” said Dr. Michael Stafford, director, Cranbrook Institute of Science. “The combination of the scientific content of the subject matter in the photographs and the presentation is unlike anything our audiences have experienced before.”
While touring the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to imagine the process the photographers and editors at National Geographic go though in assembling a final story. From among the hundreds of photos taken for each story, only a few can ultimately be included. This challenging process reveals the ways in which the photos are used impact the story.
“For the last decade, some of our most powerful stories have been produced by a new generation of photojournalists who are women. These women are as different as the places and the subjects they have covered, but they all share the same passion and commitment to storytelling that has come to define National Geographic,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president of National Geographic Exhibitions.
“Women of Vision” featured photographer Jodi Cobb and National Geographic Senior Photo Editor Elizabeth Krist, who curated the exhibit, will be in Michigan for a number of guest appearances, including a private black tie preview event at Cranbrook on September 13, the day before the exhibition opens to the public, and will be available for media interviews.
“National Geographic's Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment” is free with admission to Cranbrook Institute of Science though December 30, 2014. PNC will offer a $3 discount coupon for admission at its branch locations in southeast Michigan.
“National Geographic's Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment” is supported by The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the United States’ largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; and asset management.
About Cranbrook Institute of Science
Cranbrook Institute of Science, Michigan’s Museum of Natural History, is part of the world –renowned Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Museum is open Tues.-Sat 10am-5pm, with extended hours on Fri. and Sat. until 10pm, and Noon-4pm on Sun. Museum admission is $13 for adults, and $9.50 for children 2-12 and senior citizens (65+); children under 2 and Members admitted free. Fri. and Sat. evening admission after 5pm, $6.50 Adults, $5.50 children ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, children under 2 and Members are free. Courtesy of MASCO Corporation Foundation, admission after 5pm is FREE the first Friday of each month. Planetarium and bat program tickets are $5 general admission; $5 for CIS and OBC members; $1 for children under 2. Non-members must also pay museum admission. For more information about becoming a member of Cranbrook Institute of Science call 248 645.3200 or visit http://science.cranbrook.edu.
About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the member-supported Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. Through its online community, members can get closer to explorers and photographers, connect with other members around the world and help make a difference. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, books, DVDs, radio, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, travel expeditions, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society’s official journal, published in English and 39 local-language editions, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 48 languages. National Geographic's digital media receive around 27 million visitors a month.
National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com or www.wovexhibition.org for biographies of featured photographers.
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