For 13 years, the Missouri Press Association has been honoring those who have demonstrated excellence in photojournalism. This Thursday, October 19th, we will continue that tradition with the induction of five new members to the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame. Starting at 4 p.m. at the University of Missouri’s Reynolds Journalism Institute in the Palmer room, the following inductees will be distinguished;
Art Phillips– Phillips was born and raised in St. Louis. He started his photography career as a part-time employee for United Press International (UPI) while working toward his degree at Southern Illinois University. For the next 30 years, Phillips worked for UPI and covered sporting events all over the world. Some of the events include the 1988 Summer Olympics, several Super Bowls and an array of different Indianapolis 500 races. He also covered other events that were not sports related and is remembered for his use of different angles in photography, taking clean shots and always welcoming interns to learn the craft.
Rita Reed– Reed is recognized for her 20 years of work in the newspaper business and developments at the Missouri School of Journalism. Her work in newspapers include 14 years as a staff photographer at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minn. She also published a photo documentary book in 1997, “Growing Up Gay: The Sorrows and Joys of Gay and Lesbian Adolescence”. In Columbia, she is known for something else. After her stretch in newspapers, Reed wanted a break and took a one-year professional-in-residence at the Missouri School of Journalism, which she loved. It evolved into a position directing the annual College Picture of the Year competition, resulting in its growth and inclusion of many more students from other universities. She also created a partnership with Nikon while working at the School of Journalism, resulting in better equipment for aspiring journalists.
Jim McCarty– McCarty has been working as a magazine editor for over 30 years. He has been a long-time editor for the Rural Missouri Magazine, starting as an assistant editor in 1985 and quickly moving up the ranks to editor by 1987. He also oversees a staff of six that have won hundreds of awards for excellent photography, writing and publication. McCarty helped found the National Country Market advertising cooperative and the Missouri Association of Publications in which he is former president. That’s not all; McCarty is also remembered for the 12 books about the history of electric cooperatives he authored, and in 2009, he documented the ice storm that overwhelmed southern Missouri and then published a 13th book about the recovery.
Garland Fronabarger- Born in Oak Ridge, Fronabarger was a lifetime Missouri newspaper man. He began his career at the Southeast Missourian in 1927 and worked there for nearly 60 years. Photographs and articles written by Fronabarger helped document the history of southeast Missouri. In 1937, Fronabarger proved his worth in his work covering the Mississippi River flood. His photographs were used daily to illustrate the articles written by himself and others depicting the devastation. In addition to his dedicated work, Fronabarger is remembered for capturing the life of river townies on video; a historical recollection for the generation that lives there now. He retired from the Southeast Missourian in 1986 and passed away in Cape Girardeau on Nov. 21, 1992.
Wilson Hicks- Hicks, born in Sedalia, is distinguished for his impressive career as an executive photo editor, educator and author. His interest in journalism was sparked in high school. While still attending school, Hicks worked part-time for the Sedalia Capital. This passion led him to the Missouri School of Journalism where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. For 10 years, Hicks worked as an editor for the Kansas City Star, until the itch to travel took hold. Hicks traveled to Australia to work as a motion picture editor at the Sunday Times and then landed a job as an executive editor for the Associated Press News Photo and Feature Service. AP offered Hicks some experiences that can’t be mimicked, putting Hicks in a prime spot to photo scoop the Will Rogers and Wiley Post crash on August 15, 1935 near Point Barrow, Alaska. His growing reputation triggered his inevitable role at “Life” magazine in 1937. Hicks is remembered for expanding the “Life” photo staff to a whopping 40 people (something we don’t see anymore) and presiding over the staff during, what many call, the Golden Years of “Life” magazine photojournalism. He is the author of two books, “This is Ike” and “Words and Pictures: An Introduction to Photojournalism” and was a journalism professor late in life at the University of Miami. Hicks passed away on July 5, 1970.
Don’t miss an opportunity to honor some of the best photojournalists this state has ever nurtured. Call Missouri Press to reserve a spot at this years Photojournalism Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony!
573-449-4167
