Area photographer has work displayed at Gov. mansion

RANDOLPH – Animals, people and landscape from the Randolph area are featured in a photography exhibit at the Governor’s Mansion.

Randolph native Emma Bermel thought it was a long shot when she created a submission to the Governor’s Residence committee last year for the opportunity and was pleased to be selected.

“I was really excited and nervous all at the same time,” she said.

The selection committee said her journalistic style of ranching photographs was both insightful and wellcaptured when notifying Bermel of her acceptance for an exhibition.

In all, 15 photos in varying sizes are on display - from 8-by-10 inches to 16-by-20 inches, with most at the 11-by-14 size.

“Photos are mostly taken around Randolph and they have livestock and other farm animals in them,” Bermel said. “A couple of them have people working with the livestock. Some are portraits of the animals.”

Bermel used film to capture most of the photos.

“I like to shoot film because it is a really in-the-moment image with little to no editing,” she said.

Photography is Bermel’s main focus but she still creates other art including charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, printmaking and painting.

She currently lives in Columbus and will be teaching Art and Family Consumer Sciences at the Columbus Middle School in the fall. She previously taught art at Randolph and is the daughter of Jeff and Vicki.

Although her parents haven’t been able to see her exhibit at the governor’s residence, they’ve seen some of the pictures that are included, and have been supportive.

“Everyone is always amazed to see everything and proud of me,” she said.

Bermel’s exhibit is available through April and into the beginning of May. Viewing is available by scheduling a tour through the governor’s office by phone call or through the website. Tours and gallery viewings are scheduled on Thursday afternoons.