Portfolio Reviews with Paul Calhoun, Barbara O’Brien, and Steven Sellars
Milwaukee Public Library, East Branch | 2320 N Cramer St.
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Saturday, May 10 | 10:45A
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About the Reviewers
Paul Calhoun
Paul Calhoun’s photographs have been exhibited and published in New York, Chicago, Europe, and the Far East. In addition, his work has been supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York State Council on the Arts, Bader Philanthropies, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Illinois Humanities Council, and numerous other public and private foundations. As an educator, he has worked with disadvantaged children and young people locally, nationally, and in Europe, and has taught at the Graduate and Undergraduate levels in the United States. Paul is currently in the process of planning a program to work with and photograph young people and refugees in Nairobi, Kenya.
Barbara O’Brien
Barbara O’Brien is an independent curator and critic who has called Milwaukee home since 2020. Barbara earned an MFA in photography from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is the former executive director and chief curator of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Since moving to Milwaukee, she has worked with many artists and venues, including Frank Juarez Gallery and The Portrait Society Gallery. Her 2025 projects include curating exhibitions at The Painting Center, NYC, and Montana State University, Bozeman, and participating in projects at Boston Sculptors Gallery, Boston, and LeQuire Gallery, Nashville. @barbaraobrienart
Steven Sellars
Over 30 years, Steven Sellars’ work has evolved into a holistic representation of his voice and perspective. He earned an M.F.A. from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a B.F.A. from The Kansas City Art Institute. As an educator, Steven’s philosophy emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, empowering students to explore new ways of seeing the world. He taught at prestigious institutions, including Cardinal Stritch University, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, the San Antonio Art Institute, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Steven’s artistic achievements have been recognized through an Assemblage Grant from the Assemblage Group of Dallas and Fort Worth and the Best of Exhibit (Color) award at the 18th Annual PhotoFest Exhibition in Houston. His work has been featured in publications such as The Dallas Morning News, ART MUSCLE, and the Houston Chronicle. His work has been exhibited internationally in prestigious venues such as L’Artisan d’Savier in Paris, France, and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago. Steven’s perspective and commitment to inclusivity have enriched his practice and teaching.
What to Expect
You may present your images digitally (on a laptop or tablet) or printed. If there is a specific series or body of work you’ve been putting together, that’s great! This is the perfect opportunity to get some insight and direction.
A portfolio of ten related images is best.
- Bring up to 10 images as a core body of your work.
- If you have two bodies of work you want reviewed, bring two sets of five photos (five from each body of work) for a total of ten photographs.
You will sit with a reviewer for 20 minutes, switch to the next reviewer, and then with the third to finish the hour. Start each review by letting them know what you hope to achieve with this review, such as a professional critique of your photographs, guidance on creating a body of work, or a suggestion for your next step. Since the time is short with each reviewer, make your goal known and then listen to their valuable insight! Bring a notebook and pen to take notes.
