AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn Studio Project, an annual community-based collaboration program between the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University (JCSM), and East Samford School, is once again providing local students with a meaningful opportunity to engage with the arts and their community.

This year’s program invited seventh-grade students to explore the Jule’s 2024–2025 theme of “work.” In September, award-winning photojournalist Kate Medley visited students at Auburn High School and East Samford School to share insights from her career and prepare students for their own documentary photography project. Medley’s visit was supported by JCSM PreK–12/Family Programs Manager Christy Barlow and Auburn Parks and Recreation Art Education Specialist Emillie Dombrowski.

In November, East Samford School students, under the guidance of their art teacher Tricia Oliver, applied their new skills by photographing scenes of local businesses, capturing the essence of “work” within the Auburn community.

Four students’ photographs were selected for a juried exhibition by Medley, titled Object Lab: Portraits of Work, on view at JCSM through May 25. The full collection of 137 student photographs will be showcased in a special exhibition curated by Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center’s Myra Stephenson, on display from April 18–25. A public reception with featured artist Kate Medley will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 4–5 p.m.

Special thanks to Coffee Mafia, Amsterdam Café, Parlor 113, Southside Market, and the staff of East Samford School for their support of this project.

Auburn Studio Project is one of many enriching arts education initiatives made possible through partnerships between the City of Auburn and Auburn City Schools.

For more information, contact Emillie Dombrowski at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org or call (334) 501-2963.