Brant Barrett, a Coastal Carolina University student, has been awarded an artist-in-residency from Slow Exposures, a photography nonprofit that focuses on rural photography of the South and the photographers who create them.

Originally from St. Helena's Island, Barrett is a nontraditional, nondegree-seeking student who has been taking art studio and photography classes at CCU for four years. His photographs have been displayed in a number of businesses and restaurants, and he has received a number of awards for his work, including being selected for ArtFields in Lake City.

"During my residency at Slow Exposures, I hope to develop a new portfolio focusing on the people of rural central Georgia," said Barrett. "I think SlowAir [the residency part of Slow Exposures], free of distractions and in a new setting, will allow me to concentrate on elevating my environmental portraiture skills."

"Barrett is an exceptional student who we enjoy working with." says Armon Means, assistant professor of visual arts at CCU. "Though very talented, he continues to push himself purely for his own educational goals and to better his craft. "He's truly a valuable addition to our program."

Slow Exposures runs workshops, exhibitions and programs year round, recently receiving a significant grant from the state of Georgia for Arts and Humanities. The organization sponsors photographers annually to work on their portfolios. Barrett was one of the two recipients chosen from a number of entrants.

Barrett's work was also featured recently in the exhibition "Contemporary South 2016" in Raleigh, NC. He was selected as a 701 CCA South Carolina Biennial artist in 2015, featured in Oxford American's Eyes on South photography series, and was juried into the Atlanta Celebrates Photography 2015 Portfolio Review.

For more information, visit http://www.brantbarrettphotography.com.