Kooyumjian Gallery

Proposals for Exhibitions

Submit future show proposal.

Gallery Archives

Visit previous show archives.

Photography Gallery

Established in 1988, The Kooyumjian Gallery is a nonprofit gallery dedicated to photography and media arts. The Gallery is dedicated to showing a wide range of photographic works by student, local, national and international photographers. Newly remodeled and expanded as part of the School of Communications Sverdrup west wing renovations, the new cutting-edge gallery space opened in the fall of 2022. The Kooyumjian Gallery provides a formal gallery space for presenting exhibitions and we are dedicated to fostering and exhibiting professional and student works.

The Gallery and Gallery events are free and open to the public.

Now on Exhibit:
Beginnings 2022: Juried High School Photography

Dec. 2, 2022 – Jan. 5, 2023

Jurors Professor Tom Barkman and Professor Michael Long

silhouette of ballerina on point in arabesque centered under arch with blue sky

Reflection of orange OPEN sign in puddle on wooden table, pink ambient light

Partial view of clock face with neon pink tube surrounding it

Partial view of sunflower with bumblebee

This exhibit showcases the artistry and talent of High School student photographers. The choice of subject, creativity and composition exhibited shares the immense talent of these students and shines a spotlight on the imagination of these teens. This year's competition was juried by Professor Tom Barkman & Professor Michael Long from over 300 entries of original photographic works.

Gallery Talk and Reception: 5:30–7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2

Participating High Schools:

Alton High School
Belleville East High School
Belleville West High School
CBC
Crossroads College Prep
DeSmet
Eureka High School
John Burroughs School
Incarnate Word

Kirkwood High School
Ladue High School
Lafayette High School
Lindbergh High School
MICDS
Nernix Hall
Northwest High School
Parkway North

Parkway South
Ritenour High School
Roosevelt High School
SLUH
St. Joseph’s Academy
Thomas Jefferson School
Webster Groves High School
Westminster Christian Academy

Upcoming Exhibitions

A brown cow grazes near evergreens, clouds and green hills in background

The 2023 Bill Barrett Faculty and the 36th Annual Undergraduate Exhibit

This exhibit is a faculty showcase alongside the juried undergraduate photography exhibit — a celebration of our creative community. Illustrating the current work and creative research of our faculty and the excellence of our undergraduates, the diverse works exhibited foster a dynamic dialogue between the students and faculty. Jurors are professors Julia Griffey and Josh Johnson.

Reception and Gallery Talk
5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 with performance by DJ Pharaoh — Luke Demetry

water lily plant including root, two flowers, four full leaves, two curled-up leaves on black surface

Jimmy Fike — Edible Plants: A Photographic Survey

Since 2007, Jimmy Fike has been creating a photographic archive depicting North America’s rich trove of wild comestible flora. He has conducted field work in 15 different states and amassed a collection of over 150 specimens. His photographic work sprung from his disillusionment with the position of landscape photography in relation to pressing threats like climate change, extinction, pollution, alienation and the loss of commons. Fike hopes the photographic survey can serve as a historical archive of botanical life during an era of extreme change and provide viewers all over the country an opportunity to feel the type of bond with their landscapes that will encourage health, engender wonder, help identify free food and, most importantly, inspire greater concern for environmental issues.

Reception and Gallery Talk with Mr. Fike: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2023
Weekend Workshop with Mr. Fike: Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, 2023

Graduating Seniors/Majors 2023 Exhibit

Group exhibition showcasing the creative work of our graduating Photography Majors.

Reception and Gallery Talk with Graduates

5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023

Aug.–Sept., 2023 — Alumna Show

To be Announced

Oct. 13–Nov. 24, 2023 — Andrew Richard Hara

Andrew Richard Hara’s photography is relentless in the pursuit of capturing distinctive images of planet Earth. Marked by a strong play of forces between environment and human-made structures, his work is grounded in beauty and yet inextricably linked to the contemporary influences of technology. His photographs focus on the contrast of light and darkness, inviting the viewer to inhabit the indescribable, visceral presence between objects and moments.

Reception and Gallery Talk with graduates: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, 2023

Dec. 2023–Jan. 2024 — Beginnings 2023: Juried High School Photography Exhibit

A juried exhibit of high school photography from local and national applicants.
Interested in having your high school participate? Email us at Kgallery@webster.edu

Reception and Gallery Talk: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Jan.–Feb. 29, 2024 — 2024 Bill Barrett Faulty and 37th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibit

A Faculty Showcase alongside the Undergraduate Juried Photography Exhibit.
Undergraduates interested in participating? Email us at Kgallery@webster.edu

March 8–April 26, 2024 — Griselda San Martin

Griselda San Martin is a Spanish documentary photographer. She has documented the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on the issues of immigration, deportation, inequality and human rights abuses through an optic of identity and belonging.

Her current focus is on the growing Hispanic community in the United States and the sociopolitical implications of reactionary narratives depicting immigrants and ethnic minorities. Her work explores the transnational life and practices that link individuals, families and social networks across political boundaries.

San Martin’s work challenges popular assumptions about immigrants and offers an alternative perspective — a marginalized community demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness amidst trying situations.

Opening Reception and Gallery Talk with Ms. San Martin: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2024