Penny Schwartz says that if everyone travels it might help save the world.
A contributing writer and photographer for an area publication and a former Redlands Daily Facts columnist, Schwartz is set to showcase her photography from various countries, including Cuba, during an upcoming exhibition that supports her beliefs.
“When people get to know people from other countries, and they get to know them not as ‘others’ but think of them as someone to relate to,” their lives can change, Schwartz said. “Countries I’ve been visiting include Nepal, Tibet, Cuba and many places that have had a lot of controversy and bad press. Now, when I see anything about those countries in the newspaper I’m always interested” to know the full story.
“It makes you more aware of what’s going on in the world and sympathetic or receptive to other cultures.”
The Redlands Art Association will present Schwartz’s travel photos from Saturday through Nov. 13 in Redlands. She has studied photography at the University of Redlands extension and the Redlands Adult School, and also has earned awards from the Redlands Camera Club.
Judith Sparkhawk, gallery supervisor and also a photographer, said Schwartz’s work will be in the featured artist corner of the gallery because she requested the space and is a member of the art association.
Schwartz, however, is no stranger to juried art shows after her works were included in the Orange Show Art Show and the RAA Mini-Show, where she won an award.
Sparkhawk is looking forward to seeing Schwartz’s photos of Cuba.
“She had the opportunity to photograph people and buildings and the old cars that are still being used in Cuba because of the embargo,” Sparkhawk said. “All of these ’50s cars are classics here but are used as regular cars there. It’s an interesting view into (a place) where most of us have never been or will likely never see.”
Schwartz says she enjoys taking photos of people more than landscapes or sights.
“I just feel I find them more interesting,” she said. “I can relate to them. I especially like people who are colorful, like if they’re in native costumes or different sorts of clothing. That attracts me too, or participating in ceremonies or some sort of celebrations.”
Some photos in the exhibit were taken when Schwartz was in Cuba in December after President Barack Obama and Cuban president Raul Castro announced rapprochement.
“We were very fortunate to be in the country when Obama and Castro made the joint surprise announcement about the relationships between the countries,” said Schwartz, who went to Cuba with the travel organization Grand Circle Foundation. “We were very fortunate to see on television when that happened and talk to people right afterward about the new possibilities they would like to have. It was a very exciting time to be there.”
The artwork will be available for purchase, with most of the pieces offered for about $100 each.
