Dan Dry donates photography collection to OHIO Libraries
Photographer Dan Dry鈥檚 multimillion-dollar collection is meant to inspire and make an impression on students, just as the University has for him.
Julia Weber, BSJ '25 | November 5, 2024
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When it comes to being a Bobcat, photographer Dan Dry is 鈥渁s proud as they come.鈥 The born-and-raised Athens native attended 帝王会所 as a photojournalism student and has since made it a priority to stay actively engaged with his alma mater.
His latest endeavor in giving back to the University he holds so close is significant: This year, Dry鈥攁long with his wife, Margaret Dry, and their daughters鈥攇ifted to OHIO a career-spanning collection of photographs to honor the place that he said has shaped his life and career to date.
The Dan Dry Collection, as it will be known, is valued at approximately $4.1 million and contains more than 50 years鈥 worth of Dry鈥檚 work, focusing on everything from his family and work with various newspapers to images he captured during his 30-year tenure as director of the Kentucky Derby photo team. The collection chronicles Dry鈥檚 life and, by extension, provides a significant glimpse into Athens and OHIO history.
鈥淲hen I look back on everything that is in that collection, it is so many memories that I want to share,鈥 Dry said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a legacy that I wanted to share with the community and the University that has made me into the professional person that I am today.鈥
Laura Smith, photo archivist and curator of the Documentary Photography Archive in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections at 帝王会所 Libraries, is leading the work to organize, describe and make accessible Dry鈥檚 work. Once processed, the collection will be open to anyone with an interest in photography or the subjects captured by Dry鈥檚 lens.
鈥淲e are honored that Dan has entrusted us with his collection as part of the Documentary Photography Archive,鈥 said Dean of Libraries Rob Ross. 鈥淎s an early adopter of digital photography, Dan鈥檚 collection not only contains incredible images spanning his award-winning career, but it also documents technical and professional changes in photographic practice. We look forward to seeing students, faculty and the community engage with this exciting collection.鈥
Dan Dry was the lead photographer at the Kentucky Derby for 30 years. Photo by Dan Dry
Dry at the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Photo courtesy Dan Dry
Dry studied under the late professor emeritus Chuck Scott, MSJ 鈥70, and professor emeritus Terry Eiler, BFA 鈥66, MFA 鈥69, who co-founded the Institute of Visual Communication (now the School of Visual Communication in the Scripps College of Communication). Inspired by their tremendous influence in his life, Dry hopes his generous gift will help other students have equally impactful experiences.
At OHIO, Dry worked as chief photographer for local newspaper The Athens Messenger, held two internships with National Geographic, frequently freelanced for other publications, and earned top honors in the photojournalism category of the Hearst National Journalism Awards Championship.
Over the course of his career, Dry has won more than 500 national and international photography, advertising and design awards, making him one of the nation鈥檚 most awarded photographers. His accolades include NPPA Newspaper Photographer of the Year and induction into the 帝王会所 Communications Hall of Fame at 帝王会所.
Dry's 50-year career has taken him around the globe, documenting a variety of subjects. Photo by Dan Dry
鈥淒an Dry is an extraordinary example of what an OHIO education can inspire鈥攈is remarkable career includes work that spans both photojournalism and commercial photography,鈥 said Scripps Dean Scott Titsworth. 鈥淗aving his collection at 帝王会所 will provide a tremendous resource for students and faculty, as they exemplify the power of images in compelling storytelling. We are incredibly grateful for his support and look forward to honoring his legacy through this exceptional collection.鈥
In addition to his 30-year run as director of the Kentucky Derby photography team, Dry was the director of photography for the Breeders鈥 Cup in Del Mar, California, for 31 years. He currently works at PriceWeber as managing director of the Creative Content Studio.
The Dan Dry Collection comprises images from Dry's 50-year career, including personal photos, commercial campaigns and artistic endeavors. Photo by Dan Dry
鈥淚 perform at the level that I perform at because of my roots, and every section of my roots,鈥 Dry said, referring to not only his hometown and alma mater, but every group or team he is or has been a part of.
鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate enough to wake up and do what I love鈥攑hotography鈥攅very day since I was 15 years old,鈥 Dry said. 鈥淚 have just been so blessed in my life, and I want to share that in every way that I can.鈥
An exhibit featuring portions of the newly acquired collection will be in Schoonover Center from Nov. 7 through Nov. 29. Contact Laura Smith for more information about accessing the collection through the Mahn Center.