J200: Profiles of Grace Carpenter

Photo by Jacob Kriese

Most of Carpenter’s hobbies revolve around art. Quilting is one of her favorites.

In addition to her many hobbies, Grace Carpenter is a published photographer. Carpenter said that color is her favorite part of photography because it is what she sees first. Carpenter enjoys preserving moments in times, and she currently is working on a photography book preserving memories of the IUB campus.

“Buildings and landscapes change,” she said. “Pictures are a preservation process for me.”

—by Alex Schultze, J200

Through photography, Grace Carpenter has been able to capture the scenic beauty of the Bloomington campus. Carpenter said that when photographing the campus it “literally speaks to me.” Grace hopes that when people look at her photos they will say, “I can feel the water, I can feel the cold.”

—by Leif Melvin, J200

Grace’s love for art, history and color has led her to take on a plethora of different hobbies. From basket weaving to gardening, Grace enjoys spending her time in leisure. “It makes me the happiest,” she said.

Reading is also one of her favorite pastime activities. She owns over 3,000 books.

—by Drew Daudelin, J200

Photo by Grace Carpenter

This shot of Dunn Meadow in spring is one of Grace Carpenter’s favorites.

In 2005, Grace Carpenter won second place in the annual Bloomington Chamber of Commerce photography contest. She credits much of her success in photography to IU photojournalism professor Steve Raymer, whom she dubs her mentor. Carpenter said she will always remember the day Raymer said that one of her photographs was good.

When Carpenter retires, she hopes that the faculty and staff at IU will remember her as “a nice person who took nice pictures.”

—by Talia Cirangle, J200