Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer Exhibits Work at TCC

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer José Galvez will share his life’s work of using black and white photography to document Latino life and culture in the United States during a visit to Tulsa Community College. His photography exhibit, “Aqui Estamos…Here We Are: Photography by José Galvez,” will be on display throughout September in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month at the TCC Metro Campus Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity. Galvez’s visit is part of the Julian Rothbaum Distinguished Lectureship in Public Affairs.

The photography exhibit opens with a meet the artist reception and presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 in the Center for Creativity. The event includes hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks influenced by the Latino culture. In Galvez’s presentation, he will describe why he chose black and white photography to document the Latino culture, and he will speak about the importance of Latinos in today’s climate. This event is free and open to the public with parking in any TCC Metro Campus lot.

Students, as well as the general public, have another opportunity to meet Galvez from 1 - 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 in room 3072 of the Center for Creativity. During this free photo master class, Galvez will describe his artistic process, including why he continues to use film cameras and how he foresees photography advancing in today’s digital world.

Galvez will lead a photo shoot field trip covering topics such as how to approach people, cultural sensitivity, and tips for photographing individuals. The trip will depart at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 from the TCC Education Outreach Center at 2201 S. Garnett. The event is free and open to anyone at an intermediate or advanced level of photography. Seating is limited and you must register online to secure a spot at www.tulsacc.edu/phototrip or call (918) 595-7339.

Since the late 1960s, Galvez has used black and white photography to document Latino life and culture in the United States. A newspaper photographer for more than 20 years, he was a member of a team of reporters and photographers at the Los Angeles Times who won a Pulitzer Prize in community service for a series on the Latino experience in Southern California.

Galvez is a native of Tucson, Arizona. He served as senior photo editor and contributor to “Americanos,” a multi-media exhibition documenting Latino life in the U.S. led by Edward James Olmos. He collaborated with Luis Alberto Urrea for “Vatos” and was honored by the American Library Association. “Beloved Land,” with famed oral historian Patricia Martin, explores the lives of Mexican pioneer ranchers in the American Southwest. His latest book, “Shine Boy,” combines his life story with photographs he has shot throughout his career.

Photos: Copyright José Galvez