Black Hills State University will host internationally recognized artist Pard Morrison on Monday, September 14 for the installation of three outdoor sculptures on campus. Later that day, Morrison will join artist and educator David Pyle for a public artist talk exploring their creative practices.
Morrison’s art involves hand cutting and welding box-like aluminum hybrid sculptures. These column sculptures are recognized for their hand-brushed compositions of colorful and abstract geometric finishes that function visually as paintings. Morrison describes the fusion of surface and medium in his sculptures as a metaphor for the human condition.
A sculpture walk of the installed artwork will be given on September 14 at 10 a.m. on the Campus Green to offer students, faculty, and the community the opportunity to engage with the artist’s work firsthand.
“Bringing practicing artists to BHSU creates opportunities for students to make meaningful connections and engage in conversations that can shape how they see their own futures. Students have the chance to learn directly from the artists about their experiences, creative practices, and professional journeys,” said Quintin Owens, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at BHSU.
At 1 p.m., Morrison and Pyle will present a co-artist talk in Woodburn Theatre. Pyle serves as an instructor in the Arts Management Program at CSU, where he teaches courses such as Community Engagement and the Arts, and “The Perfect Intersection: Art Making as a Way to Learn (and Do) Anything.” During their time, the two will discuss a variety of topics including their creative practice and ideas behind their work.
“These interactions will broaden students’ perspectives, introduce them to possibilities they may not have considered, and help them begin building connections within the broader arts community. Ultimately, we want students to leave these experiences with new ideas, new relationships, and a greater sense of what might be possible for them,” said Owens.
Both events are free and open to the public.
For additional information, please contact Quintin Owens at Quintin.Owens@BHSU.edu.