October 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:

Barbara Hollander, SAMA-Altoona Coordinator

(814) 946-4464

Travis Mearns, Public Relations Coordinator

(724) 238-6015

SAMA-ALTOONA EXHIBITS WORKS BY RAILROAD PHOTOGRAPHER

            Altoona – This fall, the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Altoona’s annual exhibition of William H. Rau photographs is designed to take the viewer back in time. Sentinel of Time: Vintage Photographs of William H. Rau features 30 albumen and sepia-toned gelatin silver photographs from the Altoona Area Public Library Collection chosen by Sarah Teigler, guest curator and SAMA-Altoona Administrative Assistant. Teigler selected images reflecting buildings and gathering places from the turn of the 20^th century, places she felt were remarkable for being seemingly untouched by modern progress. The exhibition opens October 24 and will remain on view through January 17, 2009.

            “It is often said that we take time for granted,” said Teigler. “In our fast-paced world, we never have enough of it, and looking back, we are surprised to see how much has changed since our last glance. We are encouraged to want more, desire faster, long for better. When these tangibles are disposed of, we move on to the next. What we are really looking for is peace of mind, places that speak of times past, where slower, more tranquil and thoughtful qualities still exist. These photographs speak to places of our youth, allowing us to flow back into familiar territory and reverent memory.”

            Rau was perhaps best known as the official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was first commissioned by the Railroad in 1891 to document the scenic views along the mainline in order to promote the railroad and increase passenger traffic. His photographs not only glorified rail travel and the progress made by the Industrial Revolution, but also helped legitimize photography as a major art form.

            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. Saturday. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the garage across the street or in metered spots in the lot at the rear of the building. For more information, please call the Museum at (814) 946-4464 or visit www.sama-art.org.