Garth Amundson, SPENW Honored Educator

Department of Art & Art History Professor Garth Amundson is this year's Society for Photographic Educators Northwest Region Honored Educator. Amundson received the recognition on Oct. 21, 2017 at the Society for Photographic Educators Northwest Region annual conference.

Since 2000, Amundson has been one of the people the SPENW region has relied upon for conference organization and support, fundraising to underwrite student attendance, and providing LGBTQ+ leadership for the region. He has been a constant presence in presenting, or organizing, or facilitating at the national-level SPE.

As much as teaching technique, processes, or theory is important to him, Garth has always felt that more exposure to and awareness of contemporary art and artists was critical to an education in the arts.

SPENW highlighted Amundson’s LGBTQ+ activism. Apart from his leadership in the SPENW queer caucus, his participation motivates SPE to diversify its membership. His work to ensure a voice for the LGBTQ membership is a reminder to broaden SPE membership base in all respects. He continues to be a voice for inclusivity within SPE.

Amy Chaloupka, (BFA ’02), said in her nomination of Amundson: "Of all of my undergraduate experiences, the ones that stand out most specifically in my memory almost always include Garth Amundson and his photography courses. It was Garth who frequently took students down to Seattle or Vancouver for gallery walks or exhibitions, connected us with practicing artists (for me, it was a critique with Carrie May Weems that I will never forget). He arranged studio visits to show the breadth of ways artists can earn a living doing what they do—from editorial photography, to curatorial work, and traditional studio practices. And he involved himself and his students with SPE to instill the value of community and sharing of ideas. As much as teaching technique, processes, or theory is important to him, Garth has always felt that more exposure to and awareness of contemporary art and artists was critical to an education in the arts."