At a June 4th event at the Marx Hotel, Rep. James T. Walsh, Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll, Syracuse University Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw, Julius Lawrence of Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) and Janice McKenna of the Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative (SNI) unveiled "Step Inside Syracuse," a photography book depicting the faces and places of the city of Syracuse. Images in the book include a variety of local Syracuse landmarks, as well as cultural fairs, religious activities and neighborhood gatherings.
"We are very excited about 'Step Inside Syracuse,' " says Driscoll. "This photo book is a beautiful representation of our city. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to our partners, Congressman Walsh and Syracuse University, without whom the project simply would not have been possible."
Recent Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative funding brought to Syracuse by Walsh includes monies specifically designated for marketing purposes. Under the direction of S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications professors Mark Dolan and Sherri Taylor, "Step Inside Syracuse" was developed. The professors had collaborated in the past to produce the "Weekend in-" series of books, which capture depictions of life in towns and villages around Onondaga County.
The students working on the project were broken up into eight groups and focused on capturing images of local festivals, celebrations and especially day-to-day neighborhood life. "The book is a true celebration of the city and the diversity of its neighborhoods," says Dolan. "It reveals how people live and interact with one another- it offers numerous 'slice-of-life' images that together capture a taste of Syracuse."
Says Walsh, "My hat is off to the dozens of SU photography and graphic arts students and faculty who worked so diligently this past year to put this impressive book together. Their work provides the reader with an accurate, heartfelt portrait of a city alive with energy, pride and hope."
Contributing to the success of "Step Inside Syracuse" was the involvement of many local and national companies. In fall 2003, Nikon Ink and National Geographic helped coordinate a weekend workshop, donating equipment and personnel. Adobe Systems Inc. assisted the project through donations of imaging software. Syracuse Litho helped keep production and printing costs low.
"This book is yet another example of the collaborative efforts between the University and its community," says Shaw. "These efforts enrich us both by providing learning and growth as well as tangible, high-quality results."
"Step Inside Syracuse" is available in the SU Book store in the general book
department.The book is available for $10 at the Borders Books and Music store at Carousel Center The book will also be made available at local festivals. Proceeds from the book will go directly into a dedicated fund to provide ongoing marketing support and assistance for the neighborhoods of Syracuse.
