BHSU students to hold Opening Photography Reception for group show “Identity”

Contemporary Issues in Photography is a capstone course for mass communications and fine art photography students at Black Hills State University. Each student creates a body of work that prepares them for professional careers and graduate school. Several of the images will be on display in the Lower Photographer’s Gallery at BHSU through next semester. A reception open to the community will be held Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m.

“This exhibition is the result of a semester’s work from some of our most creative and talented photography students. Contemporary Issues in Photography is a capstone course that is intended to push students to step outside of their comfort zone and exceed their personal expectations by creating a portfolio of 20 images on a single subject or theme,” professor of photography Steve Babbitt says.

“Identity” is a group show that tells stories any individual can relate to in an artistic, technical, and creative way. From ranchers, mathematicians, people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems, and more, viewers find new ways to relate to identities.

Students will also be creating a group book that will be available at the show as well as their own individual books with their entire body of work. Some of the issues covered in the group book are very heavy, dark or philosophical themes while others are more easily read. After the show, a copy of the book will be available to view in the library or you can purchase a soft or hard cover copy at Blurb.com

Student JD Schroder says, “After working on my series, it gave me a unique insight to people, and that you can never really know what anyone is going through. I really loved getting to take my idea and bring it to life.”

The Photographers Gallery is located on the lower level of Jonas Hall on the Black Hills State University campus in Spearfish and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Identity” is composed of works by 16 students. Students in this year’s class are:

• Joshua J. Adkins Sr., Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in photography, Denver

• Cora Carroll, BFA photography, Rapid City

• Bryce Christensen, tourism and hospitality, Spearfish

• Burklee Kenefick-Aschoff, mathematics, Pierre

• Nick Hubbard, mass communications/photography emphasis, Rapid City

• Taylee Hudson, BFA photography, Sturgis

• Sierra LaCroix, BFA photography, special education, and business education, Newcastle, Wyo.

• Sadie Mullen, mass communications/photography emphasis, Spearfish

• Angie MCDonnell, mass communications/photography emphasis & professional accountancy, Martin

• Danny Merritt, mass communications/photography emphasis, Bath, England

• Tristen Polensky, mass communications/photography & public relations emphases, Dickinson, N.D.

• Sara Ann Ramos, graphic design and communications, Sheridan, Wyo.

• Sarah Richards, BFA photography, Clinton, Iowa

• Jessica Ross, corporate communications, Sheridan, Wyo.

• JD Schroeder, mass communications/theatre emphasis, Yorktown, Texas

• Grace Stoebner, photography and theater, Stillwater, Minn.

About the BHSU Photography Program

BHSU is proud to have Canon USA as a sponsor of the photography program. Through Canon's generous support BHSU photography students have the opportunity to use the latest camera equipment and digital printers available.

BHSU has among the finest darkroom and digital imaging facilities in South Dakota and the surrounding region with three black and white and color labs, a film developing area, and an imaging lab. The digital imaging lab is complete with multiple Mac computers, scanners, and various large format and desktop printing stations. Students also have access to a 2,000 square foot commercial studio and a new alternative silver and digital printing lab.

BHSU now offers a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in photography. The BFA offers many opportunities to students interested in photojournalism, commercial photography, or fine art photography. BHSU continues to offer the photography emphasis as part of a mass communications degree as well.

For more information about the BHSU photography program, visit www.BHSU.edu/Photography or contact Jerry Rawlings at Jerry.Rawlings@BHSU.edu or 605-642-6391.

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Published on BHSU.edu/News