Utah Artist Fellowship Program Announces Award to Photographer Eugene Tapahe

 Via The Salt Lake Tribune

(Eugene Tapahe) | The Jingle Dress Project: Eternal Legacy, 2023 (photograph)

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums has been supporting Utah artists since the agency’s founding in 1899. A large part of that support is the Utah Artist Fellowship, one of the highest state-sponsored awards a Utah artist can receive. The Utah Artist Fellowships are cash awards that recognize the careers of Utah artists demonstrating exceptional creativity in their fields. Fellows are chosen by out-of-state, nationally renowned arts professionals. Selections are based on evaluation of application narratives, as well as work samples from the past five years.

Through these fellowships, the agency seeks to support professional and committed artists reaching pivotal moments in their artistic practices, encouraging their career advancement and growth. Candidates are selected through an open application process. All eligible applications receive equal consideration through a two-round review process: a prescreen staff review, and a juror review. This year, five fellowships were awarded in the categories of Design Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre), and Visual Arts. This year marked the inaugural year for a Literary Arts category.

2025’s Visual Arts Fellows are Eugene Tapahe, Christopher Lynn, Nancy Rivera, Ariel C. Wilson, and Xi Zhang. Visual Arts juror Lana Meador said: “The submissions reflected an incredibly rich artistic community, making the selection process no easy feat. The chosen artists displayed a clear vision and commitment to their practice in works that push the boundaries of their chosen media in new and exciting ways.”  Full article

Monroe Gallery is honored to present a very special exhibit by Eugune Tapahe - Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project. The exhibit opens on July 5, 2025, with an artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. It will continue during the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market weekend, the world’s largest Native American art market, August 16 and 17, and conclude on September 14, 2025. Please contact the Gallery for more information

 

The 2025 Photography Show In Review

 

The Art Newspaper

Monroe Gallery's presentation in the news:

Hyperallergic: Indigenous Humor and Resistance Shines at The Photography Show

The Guardian: Keith Haring, Kanagawa and Georgia O’Keeffe: highlights from NYC’s Photography Show – in pictures

Cottages and Gardens: Inside the 2025 AIPAD Show

Collector Daily: There is a contagious playfulness is this 1951 fashion shoot captured by Tony Vaccaro. What’s not to love about the pitcher of water poured over the umbrella to create rain, with the city skyline in the background? If there is actual fun to be found in the images on view at a photo fair, this is what it looks like

Eugene Tapahe

Collector Daily: There is a contagious playfulness is this 1951 fashion shoot captured by Tony Vaccaro. What’s not to love about the pitcher of water poured over the umbrella to create rain, with the city skyline in the background? If there is actual fun to be found in the images on view at a photo fair, this is what it looks like

Tony Vaccaro: The Umbrella LOOK magazine, NYC 1951

Tony Vaccaro's iconic photograph of Peggy Guggenheim on a 75-foot banner outside the fair at The Park Avenue Armory

Screenshot of Tony Vaccaro's photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe holding Swiss cheese to her eye from The Gurdian news feature

See the Monroe Gallery exhibit here.

A view of the Monroe Gallery booth

Hyperallergic: Indigenous Humor and Resistance Shines at The Photography Show

 Via Hyperallergic

April 25, 2025

"Monroe Gallery of Photography, also based in Santa Fe, is showing striking works from Diné photographer Eugene Tapahe’s Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project (2020-present), which intertwines ritual and protest to foster collective healing."

10 FPS Podcast: Celebrating over two decades in Santa Fe, the Monroes shared their insights into the significance of photojournalism and their preparations for the upcoming APAD show in New York

 Via 10 FPS Podcast

April 23, 2025

  

 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Podchaser | TuneIn | Deezer | Anghami | Youtube Music | RSS

Photojournalism uniquely bridges the worlds of art and storytelling, capturing moments that resonate deeply with audiences. The Monroe Gallery, a leader in this field, has dedicated itself to showcasing the transformative power of images. In this episode our hosts explored this fascinating realm with Sydney and Michelle Monroe, founders of the Monroe Gallery. Celebrating over two decades in Santa Fe, the Monroes shared their insights into the significance of photojournalism and their preparations for the upcoming APAD show in New York.

The Birth of Monroe Gallery

The Monroe Gallery’s journey began with a pivotal meeting with Alfred Eisenstadt, a founding photographer of Life Magazine. This encounter sparked Sydney and Michelle Monroe’s passion for photojournalism, leading them to recognize its potential within the gallery system. Their mission became to elevate photojournalistic images from magazine pages to gallery walls, transforming them into enduring pieces of art and historical evidence.
The Impact of Photojournalism

Photojournalism, as the Monroes describe, is about more than capturing moments; it’s about documenting history and inspiring change. The images they curate are visually striking and carry deep social and political relevance. From war scenes to tender moments of love, these photographs tell timeless stories. The Monroes emphasize the importance of context, ensuring viewers understand the historical and emotional backdrop of each image.
Handling Sensitive Subjects

Presenting sensitive subjects is a challenge the Monroe Gallery navigates with care. The Monroes provide context to balance human suffering with stories of heroism and hope, offering a comprehensive view of the human experience. This thoughtful curation is evident in exhibitions like Grey Villet’s work on the Loving family, highlighting photojournalism’s societal impact. It is also seen in their latest special exhibit titled “WWII – Eighty Years”, which will be presented at APAD this year. The exhibit highlights the historic triumphs and devastating losses of the war that were captured by thousands of wartime photographers. It is a reminder that we must learn from our history so that these same actions may never be repeated.

Supporting Modern Photojournalists

In today’s evolving media landscape, the Monroe Gallery supports contemporary photojournalists, many of whom rely on print sales to fund their work. The Monroes represent a diverse range of voices, from legends to emerging talents like Eugene Tapahe, whose “Jingle Dress Project” beautifully combines art and journalism. This dedication ensures the gallery remains a vibrant platform for storytelling.

The Monroe Gallery’s journey underscores the enduring power of photojournalism. Through thoughtful curation and commitment, Sydney and Michelle Monroe have created a space where images challenge perceptions and inspire change. As they prepare for the APAD show, the Monroes continue to champion photojournalism as both art and historical record, inviting all to explore the profound impact of these stories.

#photojournalism #photogallery #exibits #APAD

Previous Episode: Ron Haviv