BROOKS INSTITUTE’S GALLERY 27 OFFERS TWO VIEWS OF AMERICA
Chasing Time: Pursuing the Shadows of Light and Strangers along U.S. Highway 395

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – (May 16, 2009) – Brooks Institute’s Gallery 27 welcomes two faculty members as they exhibit their unique perspectives of the American landscape. Christopher Broughton focuses his lens on the way light plays with scenery and Eliot Crowley concentrates on the people that have woven themselves into the countryside. Brooks Institute’s Gallery 27, located at 27 Cota St. in Santa Barbara, will hold an artist reception for both artists on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. Both exhibits will run from June 4 – 19 and July 13 – 31, 2009.

Of his exhibit, Chasing Time: Pursuing the Shadows of Light, Broughton shared, "I have always felt a personal magnetism toward the landscape and its interaction with water, clouds, light and time. Attempting to capture just a little of these interactions through my fascination with photography and how it interpolates these events has been the driving force."

Broughton’s passion for the American landscape began in his youth. His father’s love of the country’s heritage and scenic beauty spurred the family’s frequent travels. "The medium of photography gave me a palette to paint some of the grandeur I enjoy - to savor the moment forever," said Broughton. He began his education at Oregon State University and specialized in professional photography at Brooks. He has been a faculty member since 1998.

Eliot Crowley travelled up U.S. Highway 395 to capture the American landscape. "I have a lifelong history with Highway 395. And Highway 395 has a long and powerful history with California," said Crowley.

Strangers along U.S. Highway 395 began as Crowley’s thesis project toward his Master of Fine Arts degree. These images are created within minutes of meeting the person, using strobe lights and multiple exposures.

Crowley’s passion for photography was nurtured at Brooks Institute in the mid 1970s. He specialized in commercial photography and moved to New York City after graduation where he assisted photographers and gained as much experience as he could. After New York, he headed to Los Angeles and opened a studio to pursue his success. "I opened my own studio in downtown Los Angeles. I was one of the first 50 photographers to loft in downtown," explained Crowley. Years later, he moved to Santa Barbara and joined the faculty at Brooks Institute. This year, he celebrates his 4th year as faculty at Brooks Institute.

Brooks Institute’s Gallery 27 is a public gallery open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The gallery will be closed for summer break from June 20 – July 12, 2009.

About Brooks Institute

Brooks Institute celebrates more than 60 years of educating students in the visual and media arts. With campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura, California, the school offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in fields including Professional Photography, Visual Journalism, Film and Video Production and Graphic Design, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography. Brooks’ graduates are visible nationally and internationally, working for distinguished organizations including National Geographic, Smithsonian, Los Angeles Times and other national media outlets, including Hallmark Publishing, Cousteau Society, HBO, Kodak and other industry leaders in the visual media arts fields. Brooks is part of the Career Education Corporation network of schools (NASDAQ: CECO). For more information about Brooks Institute and the school’s programs, visit www.brooks.edu, or call 805-966-3888.