As Longwood University prepares to host the upcoming Oct. 4 vice presidential debate, the Longwood Center for Visual Arts (LCVA) paired with the Associated Press (AP) for a look into American politics and presidential campaigning.
On Friday, Sept. 9, the “Citizens and Leaders: A Century of Iconic Presidential Campaign Photography by The Associated Press” exhibition opened to the public.
The downstairs gallery of the LCVA filled with Longwood faculty, staff, students and alumni as well as guests from around Farmville as they gathered to admire the 100 years of pictures illustrating presidential candidates, courtesy of AP.
The Associated Press has covered American politics and presidential campaigns for 170 years with a record 31 Pulitzer Prizes. “Citizens and Leaders” is curated by AP Special Projects Manager Chuck Zoeller along with LCVA Executive Director Rachel Ivers and Justin Pope, chief of staff at Longwood and former AP national reporter.
Iconic photos spread through the gallery from 1916 to 2016 displaying notable political figures from former President John F. Kennedy to President Barack Obama. Also included were this year’s earlier campaigners: Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Ted Cruz and the current candidates: Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
While candidates themselves are the focus of the photographs, the shift of American opinions and ideals are also explored in these figures. Each chosen individual reflects the issues of that time and America’s political stance.
Almost every photograph in the exhibit captures the various aspiring leaders engaging with and inspiring citizens. This concept of “Citizens and Leaders” coincides with Longwood’s distinctive mission to shape “citizen leaders” in preparation to have a positive influence on society.
On the day of the debate, the AP Vice President and Director of Photography Santiago Lyon will speak on the exhibition regarding the impact of AP’s coverage on presidential campaigning throughout the years, ending with coverage of the 2016 presidential election.
The “Citizens and Leaders: A Century of Iconic Presidential Campaign Photography by The Associated Press” exhibition will remain open until Oct. 16 and is free and open to the public.
The museum is located at 129 North Main Street in Farmville, Va. For additional information on the exhibitions or other programs and events, contact LCVA at lcvainfo@longwood.edu or 434.395.2206.
