A Look To The Sky And Space

The Air and Space exhibit at the College of Lake County depicts remarkable images of the Space Shuttle, airplanes and space itself.

Roland Miller, a photography teacher at the College of Lake County, joined forces with a former student, the late Steven J. Mark, to create the exhibit titled Air and Space. The exhibit runs through July 1 at the Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art at the in Grayslake.

Miller’s collection of 15 photos, titled Constellation Rising, marks the history of the NASA Space Shuttle program.

The 18 photos by Mark, called Uncontrolled Airspace, are from his 2009 Galt Airport Exhibit in Greenwood, Ill. Mark, who passed away on Nov. 13, 2010 at age 54.

Steve Jones, gallery curator, became aware of Mark’s airplane-themed photographs when they were displayed in the college's Student Art Competition and the Recent Works exhibits in 2009. He came up with the idea to pair the work of this student and teacher together.

“It seemed a natural pairing of two people who have different but parallel tracks in their art,” Jones said.

Miller said that Mark kept him “on his toes” throughout the four years he took photography courses at the college.

“Quite frankly, I learned a few things from him and his own research. It was such a shock to find out about his illness and passing,” he said. “Most people can go through their whole life without finding something they really love to do. But he found it. Unfortunately, his life was cut short.”

Mark’s photographs had been displayed at the Galt airport and at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., and were published “Smithsonian Air & Space” magazine.

According to Mark’s artist statement, “The exhibit titled Uncontrolled Airspace refers to aviation terminology describing airspace where Air Traffic Control service is not deemed necessary or cannot be provided. Galt Airport is within this class of airspace, as are many of the small airports in the U.S. where grassroots flying takes place. In this case it also refers to the character, spirit and tone of the people who find delight in such places. While very controlled in the exercise of their flying abilities, they prize the freedom that is the hallmark of flight. These photographs were made as part of the Galt Airport Project – a documentary series photographed largely in 2008, and still underway. The photos capture the people, activities, scenes and ethos that pervade this little patch of heaven in Greenwood, Ill., known as Galt Airport.”

Jones said, The part that is really interesting is to see his documentation of people so involved in flying their little private planes.”

Miller writes in his exhibit catalog the space shuttles are some of the most photographed objects in the world, whether by industrial documentation, photojournalism or amateur endeavors.

Jones said it was devastating to learn of Mark's death, and his presence on the college campus will be missed. This exhibit serves as a celebration to Mark’s life and to the artistic vision both men share.

"This exhibit celebrates both Steve’s and Roland’s artistic vision; to look toward the sky and space," he said.

The College of Lake County is at 19351 W. Washington St. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.