November 5, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

FACE OF INDIA COMES TO ALTOONA

            Altoona – Pittsburgh photographer Donald Robinson has previously taken the viewer of his works around the world, providing glimpses of African wildlife, the arctic poles, and even our own backyard. In his latest exhibition, currently on view at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona, Robinson opens a window to the ever-changing, yet very traditional country of India, a nation one-third the size of the United States but with a population of more than one billion. This stunning exhibition, titled Face of India: Photography by Donald M. Robinson, will be on view at the Museum November 16 through January 27.

            The photographs featured in this exhibition capture the disparities within India, from the congestion of elephants and buggies on a bustling main street to the quiet majestic palaces of the maharajahs. Through these images, the viewer gains a better understanding of the country’s complex world of religions, class systems, and social relationships.

            The Museum will celebrate the exhibition with an opening reception with the artist on Saturday, November 17. Cost for the reception, which begins at 6 p.m., is $12 or $10 for members. Robinson also will be speaking at the Museum during a Lunch a l’Art program on Monday, November 26. The program begins at noon and features lunch and a presentation by the artist. Cost for the program is $12 or $10 for members. For reservations or more information, please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464.

            Robinson is a celebrated photographer who has been exhibited throughout the world. In 1991, he was awarded the EFIAP Award (Artist of Excellence) by the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique. He also has been awarded the Photographic Society of America’s Galaxy Award and has won 25 gold medals for “Best of Show” in various international photography exhibitions.

            Robinson was educated at the University of South Carolina and Harvard Graduate School of Business. He developed two successful businesses and has been deeply involved in humanitarian aid. He has had more than 50 museum exhibitions in the last twenty years.

            The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona is located in the Brett Building at 1210 Eleventh Avenue. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building or in the garage across the street. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.