UMD Photographer Exhibit Showcases Maryland Farmers in the State Capital

Photographer and UMD alumnus Edwin Remsberg

Image Credit: remsberg.com

January 8, 2013 Sara Gavin, Julie Oberg, Meg Dibley

As the 2013 General Assembly convenes in Annapolis this week, visitors to the Miller Senate Office Building will be able to view a series of portraits of Maryland farmers taken by award-winning photographer and University of Maryland alumnus Edwin Remsberg.

The series, Maryland Farmers: The Faces of the Land, was commissioned by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and highlights the diversity of people, places and practices involved with food production in our state. Twelve archival 20” by 30” photographic prints will be on display in the second floor lobby near the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs hearing room throughout 2013.

Remsberg is a 1989 graduate of UMD’s College of Journalism and has been employed through a part-time contract with the university’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) since 1994. He travels the state documenting the changing nature of agriculture in Maryland and showcasing the work of the College and University of Maryland Extension. In 2012, the College of AGNR named Remsberg an honorary member of its alumni chapter.

“The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is proud to have such a long-standing working relationship with a photographer of Edwin Remsberg’s caliber,” said Dean Cheng-i Wei. “His images celebrate all facets of Maryland agriculture and showcasing them at the state capital is a wonderful opportunity for others to enjoy, learn from and be inspired by his exceptional work.”

Maryland Farmers: The Faces of the Land illustrates the value of those who work the land every day and contribute to the growth and sustainability of local economies, like AGNR alumnus Thomas Godfrey (‘85) who operates Godfrey Vegetable Farms on the Eastern Shore (pictured right with wife Lisa).

As an eighth-generation farmer in Harford County, Remsberg offers unique insight into the lives of Maryland farmers and hopes his portraits will provide viewers with an opportunity "to see people, not just defined by what they do with their hands, but by what they do with their hearts."

“We are thrilled that Edwin Remsberg’s exhibit will be on display in a space with high visibility for Maryland's leaders and decision makers starting with the 2013 Maryland General Assembly Session and remaining up the rest of the year,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Edwin captures remarkable images that celebrate the identity of the people, places and practices of Maryland.  We are honored that he dedicates his talent to featuring the people and the stories of Maryland agriculture.”

The photographs will be permanently displayed at MDA headquarters in Annapolis following the exhibition.

For more information on Edwin Remsberg, best known for his environmental portraits and projects focused on agriculture, food, health care, higher education, and travel, visit http://remsberg.com/pages/about/about.html.