A DAY IN THE LIFE:
NC School of the Arts Photo Documentary

"A Day in the Life of the North Carolina School of the Arts" is the brainchild of North Carolina School of the Arts Chancellor Wade Hobgood. Trained as a graphic designer, Hobgood knew that the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day activities at the School of the Arts would make stunning visual images (more information below the gallery).

Click on a thumbnail to view the larger image (opens in a new window).

In 2000, the School commissioned local photographer Christine Rucker - a former photojournalist with the Winston-Salem Journal - to document what really goes on in studios, classrooms and backstage - as well as in the residence halls and library. The objective was to create a visual record of a "day in the life" of NCSA that could be exhibited across the state - in museums, public buildings, and at NCSA touring events.

With the assistance of the public relations office, Rucker gained access to classes and other School events and shot for several months, on-and-off. She used a 35mm Nikon F-100 camera for the project, and Kodak T-400 CN (black-and-white) film. "I specialize in black-and-white," she explained, "and for documentary projects, I think it shows the person's character better than color film."

"We believe this collection of photographs captures the passion, creativity, style and personality of the North Carolina School of the Arts," said Chancellor Hobgood. "It is who we are. And we want the world to see it."

Last year, the collection won the Grand Award in the Photo Essay and Series category of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III Awards Competition. The district includes nine Southeastern states, including the Carolinas.

Thus far, the collection has been exhibited at the Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte (October 2002), the Greenville (N.C.) Museum of Art (February 2003), and The Arts Center of Henderson County (July 2003). The collection made its Winston-Salem premiere at the Winston-Salem Visitor Center in May and June 2003.

The School hopes to tour the exhibit for at least a couple of years, before it is permanently installed on campus.

To view the full gallery of images chosen for the exhibit, click here.