BHSU invites public to new Photo Studio Open House and Art Studio Tour

The public is invited to a Photography Studio Open House Thursday, April 27 from 4-7 p.m. in the basement of the E.Y. Berry Library-Learning Center on campus. The annual Art Studio Tour will be held the same day and time in Wenona Cook Hall at BHSU, along with the BHSU Annual Juried Art Exhibition in the Ruddell Gallery of the Student Union.

Black Hills State University invites the public a Photography Studio Open House held in conjunction with the annual BHSU Art Studio Tour on campus Thursday, April 27 from 4-7 p.m.

Located in a newly-renovated basement space of the E.Y. Berry Library-Learning Center, the new Photo Studio at BHSU has three separate bays complete with iMac computers and rail systems for lighting.

Photography professor Jerry Rawlings says, "This new facility creates an environment wherein students are able to receive intensive instruction into the realm of studio and commercial photography. I believe that this learning environment can compete with any institution nationwide. Our students and we greatly appreciate the investment that BHSU has made to improve our photography program."

Visitors are welcome to visit the space during the Photography Studio Open House Thursday, April 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. Photography professors and students will give tours and refreshments will be provided.

During the same day and time, the public is also invited to the BHSU Art Studio Tour in Wenona Cook Hall. The Art Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour that will showcase the artwork and galleries on the BHSU campus. Signs will direct the public to each art gallery and art installation on campus. The event is sponsored by the Wenona Cook artists and the BHSU Art Club.

Art will be displayed at several locations: the Dub-C Studio in the lower level of Wenona Cook Hall, third floor of Woodburn Hall, Photographer's Gallery in the upper level of Jonas Hall, the E.Y. Berry Library Galleries located on the main floor and lower level, second floor of Meier Hall, and the Ruddell Gallery.

In the Ruddell Gallery, located in the Student Union, visitors are invited to stop by for the opening reception for the BHSU Annual Juried Art Exhibition.

Black Hills State University began offering three new bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degrees in graphic design, photography, and studio art last year. The BFA degree also provides an advantage to students wishing to attend graduate school to pursue a master of fine arts (MFA) degree in any art-related field.

The new BFAs will prepare students to enter careers in print production, advertising, art education, entrepreneurship, non-profit arts advocacy, fine art, and museum/gallery management, commercial and fine art photography among others. Courses at BHSU provide an environment where students learn the technology and skills required of a professional working in the field including classes in advanced lighting techniques, contemporary issues in photography, computer production, illustration, publishing, studio art, and art and photo history.

For more information on the Photography Studio Open House or the Art Studio Tour, visit www.BHSU.edu/events and see a campus map at www.BHSU.edu/map

Information on the BFA academic program can be found at www.BHSU.edu/academics