This story originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of Washington magazine.

Members of the Washington University community have a love of learning. To that end, Classes Without Quizzes, one of the most popular club events, brings some of the University's top faculty to cities across the country. They present a variety of thought-provoking topics that engage alumni, parents, and friends.

On January 26, 2012, Buzz Spector offered his expertise during the Wide-Eyed: Panoramic Photographs exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. During his presentation, Spector—dean of the College & Graduate School of Art and the Jane Reuter Hitzeman and Herbert F. Hitzeman, Jr. Professor of Art—discussed the panoramic photographs featured in the exhibit. Participants learned how most panoramic photographs either mirror normal human vision or extend it. Spector also explained the features of panoramic affect, showing examples in other media by contemporary artists—including some of his own work.

After the presentation, participants enjoyed a docent-led tour of the exhibit, which featured about 35 photographs, books by Josef Sudek and Edward Ruscha, one installation by Ken Fandell, and a coffee can featuring a landscape by Ansel Adams. The photographs dated from 1857 to just a few years ago and highlighted photographers such as Gus Foster and Berenice Abbott.

For more information on Washington University Club events in your region, check out the Events Calendar online.

For more information on the exhibit, visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.