Two Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) photography faculty members were recently recognized in June for their work in their art. Faculty member Anthony Marchetti received a McKnight Photography Fellowship and faculty member Laura E. Migliorino was a finalist for the fellowship also.

“As a finalist, my work received face time with some important artists and curators,” says Migliorino. “It’s an indication that my work stands out and resonates.”

Along with three other winners, fellowship winner Marchetti was selected to receive $25,000 to facilitate his creative life as a Minnesota photographer for a twelve-month period. He can use the funds to support exploring new ideas in his art work and, during the fellowship year, to secure time, purchase materials or equipment and supplement related travel expenses.

“With this money, I will be able to finish my project and hopefully publish a book of the work,” says Marchetti.

Besides the financial assistance, Marchetti will also have an exhibition at Minnesota Center of Photography following the fellowship year, a consultation with at least one of the review panelists and other opportunities to present work and interact with people interested in photography.

“This prestigious award is a huge resume builder,” Marchetti continues. “And all the great networking possibilities will enhance what I am able to bring my students at Anoka-Ramsey. The best professors I had in school were the ones involved in both the academic and artistic communities. They were able to bring real world examples and experiences directly into the classroom.”

The McKnight Foundation is a Minneapolis-based non-profit organization which, since 1982, has awarded fellowships to Minnesota artists who use photography as their main tool of creativity and personal expression and whose work exhibits excellence. The fellowships are intended for mid-career artists who are actively engaged in the community of photographic artists for at least five years. Exhibitions, publications, teaching, lecturing and other activities are also factors in the selection process.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s associate’s in fine arts degree program, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu/Academics/aa_fine_arts_overview.cfm. More information about the McKnight Foundation Arts Program can be found at www.mcknight.org/arts/.

ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 9,800 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers. ARCC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.