TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama National Alumni Association will host the photographic exhibit “Perspectives,” at the Ferguson Center April 18 – May 4.

The exhibit showcases unconventional portraits of UA student, faculty and staff artists in a myriad of fields. All the photos were taken by Rachael Crawley, a senior at UA and intern with UA alumni publications.

“I tried to capture the artist embodying their respective art form,” said Crawley. “The photos are representative of the arts in the general meaning and the artists in an individual sense.”

The production of the photos, from conception to scheduling to the actual shots, was completed in two weeks. “Getting the photo shoots planned and completed took lots of determination and extra hours,” Crawley added. “Luckily for us, all of the artists were willing to be flexible with their time in order to help make this happen.”

Some of the photos in the exhibit are in the recently released National Alumni Association annual report, which celebrates the Year of Alabama Arts.

The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel declared 2007 the Year of Alabama Arts. The campaign is designed to be a year-long celebration of the arts in Alabama that encourages both visitors and Alabamians to spend time experiencing every form of art that Alabama has to offer.

“Our projects are, obviously, alumni centered,” said Janice Fink, manager of alumni publications. “It was nice to have an opportunity to showcase people on campus to our members. There were so many beautiful shots, and we couldn’t put them all in the report, so we decided to present this exhibit.”

There will be an opening reception Wednesday, April 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The National Alumni Association already awards more than $2 million in scholarships each year. UA is first in the nation in scholarship dollars provided by the alumni association, according to a national survey of peer schools.

Alumni and friends of UA are welcome to join the alumni association at any time. The minimum contribution for membership is $40 for a single person and $65 for a couple.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.