(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 31, 2003)—His talent of seeing beauty in ordinary situations, and his ability to capture that beauty in a photograph is what won Phoenix College art student, Jeremiah Armenta, a $500 scholarship from Arizona Artists’ Guild. Along with the scholarship, Armenta earned an exhibition of his prize-winning artworks at the Art One Gallery, Inc. in Scottsdale on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Armenta discovered photography as a hobby five years ago while serving in the military overseas. As his talent progressively developed, his hobby turned into an aspiring career. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies at Phoenix College, Armenta will transfer to ASU, earning his bachelor’s degree in photography. Armenta plans to start a photo journalism career as a freelance photographer for publications such as National Geographic and Time.

Armenta learned that the Arizona Artists’ Guild awards scholarships to at least four students who are currently enrolled as art majors in one of the universities or community colleges in Arizona. He fit the qualifications and decided to apply. The application required him to submit a few of his photos, compose an essay and have two of his teachers write letters of recommendation.

"I asked my photography teacher, John Mercer, and my English teacher, Jed Allen to write recommendations for me," said Armenta. "They’re both great instructors who I’ve learned a lot from at Phoenix College."

Armenta was excited to discover that he earned one of the scholarships. He says it will be a great help in covering his school expenses next semester, and the exhibition will give him valuable exposure as a student photographer.

"What others do not notice is exactly what I find interesting," said Armenta. "I take action shots like skateboarding, and lots of portraits."

When Armenta says ‘portrait,’ he’s not referring to a typical head shot. He seeks out original, interesting people whose faces tell a story.

Many of his signature photos will be for sale during his exhibition at Art One Gallery, Inc. His award-winning photos will also be displayed at The Western Eye art show presented by the Phoenix College Art Department from March 6 to April 1, 2004.

For more information about The Western Eye art show, please contact the Phoenix College Art Gallery at (602) 285-7284.

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