Katie Hargett's work on display at Anna Bannanas through the end of month
By Sarah Bigelow
There's something unique about the current photography exhibit at Anna Bannanas café downtown. And for UP students who have studied abroad, there might also be something familiar about the photos showcased at the exhibit. That's because senior Katie Hargett cataloged much of her international studies through the lens of her camera and is currently sharing those memories with Portland at Anna Bannanas.
Hargett's exhibit opened in August and continues through October.
"It's very exciting for me," she said, noting the café's trendy location. "It's my foot in the door. It kind of adds credibility to my love of photography."
Hargett discovered photography as a sophomore in high school, when her father first allowed her to use his 35 millimeter camera. Since then, she has honed her talent, even working as a photographer for the UP yearbook, The Log, during her freshman year.
However, the Anna Bannanas exhibit is Hargett's first opportunity to really show off her personal photos. Over the summer, Hargett visited the café's Lombard Street location and noted the artwork on the walls. She inquired with the café's co-owner, Sarah Anderson, about displaying her own work.
Anderson invited Hargett back to the café to discuss a show, unaware that Hargett was spending the summer in Puyallup, Wash., not in Portland. When Hargett drove down to Portland specifically to meet with her, Anderson was impressed.
"She's such an enjoyable person," Anderson said. She offered Hargett space at the downtown branch of the café for August and September and has since extended the show through October.
"I took a leap without seeing much of her work," Anderson said. "I was so pleasantly surprised. She had a fantastic eye and her subject matter is so interesting. When you love what you do, it shows, and it really shows with her art."
For Hargett, creating photos with such compelling composition is simple.
"With a lot of my pictures, I try to go with that classic, elegant shot that can show what's happening and why that event's special to me," she said. "For every scene there's one perfect arrangement of elements, and I feel like it's my job as a photographer to capture that arrangement."
As much as she loves photography, Hargett also enjoys sharing her unique vision with others. The photos at Anna Bannanas are for sale, but Hargett is more concerned that others experience her work than if these particular photos sell.
"It's more important to me that my art gets out there - that someone looks at it and enjoys the images as I did," she said.
Enjoyment seems to be the overwhelming reaction from Anna Bannanas patrons. Anderson said that Hargett's work has attracted attention from many of her customers.
"Everybody loves it," she said. "It's very interesting to a great cross-section of people." Some customers have even remarked that Hargett's photos conjure memories of their own trips to Europe.
Hargett has also received numerous compliments from members of the UP community who have visited the exhibit.
"I've not gotten any negative feedback," Hargett said. "Everyone I've sent has come back with good news. That really affirms me as an artist." She encourages other students to visit the café and welcomes any feedback.
Senior Jeanie Toscano was with Hargett when she hung the pictures in August and is excited to see her friend's work on display in Portland.
"It was kinda cool because it's very artsy," she said. "Anna Bannanas is one of those artsy places. It was cool to see one of my friends there."
The exhibit at Anna Bannanas is only the first step for Hargett. She has since had interest in her photos from other cafés and coffee shops, including one in her hometown. She also has some photos on display at a frame shop on McChord's Air Force Base in Pierce County, Wash.
Hargett hopes to pursue photography once she graduates, and her reception at Anna Bannanas has strengthened her resolve to search for photography internships and beginner positions. She also urges other students to explore opportunities for sharing their artwork.
"It's worth the time you put into it," she said. "It really makes you feel good as a person and an artist."
