Photo exhibit opens OTC Fine Arts Gallery

Ozarks Technical Community College’s Fine Arts Gallery will kick off its First Friday Artwalk Series of the semester next week with an exhibit of photographs by British-born photojournalist Bruce Stidham.

The showing, entitled “The American West,” includes photos Stidham took over several years of travel through the western United States.

“Being English, I’m not used to those types of landscapes. There’s nothing like that in Europe,” said Stidham, whose work has sent him traveling around the world, photographing news events, people and sports.

Stidham spent about four years capturing the images of the American West, traveling more than 15,000 miles. He went as far west as California, north to Salt Lake City and south to El Paso, Tex.

The striking photographs on display include images of bright blue skies and red stones contained in vivid rock formations, captivating mesa and picturesque Monument Valley.

Stidham shot thousands of photographs on his travels. A collection of 18 will be on display in the OTC Fine Arts Gallery, located on the third floor of the Gillioz Theater, Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stidham will be on hand to speak to visitors during a reception.

“Hosting an exhibition for international media photographer Bruce Stidham will create an amazing opportunity for our OTC students and art enthusiastic community to view breathtaking images,” said Kat Allie, OTC instructor and gallery manager.

“Bruce is an excellent role model for working artists and for those who aspire to become professional artists and create their own business. He is a wonderful example of someone who conveys artistic genius along with innovative business and marketing skills.”

Stidham said he found Utah to be his most productive area for photographs for the exhibition. There are seven photos from that state in the show.

Stidham lives in Springfield. He received his photographic training at Blackburn College in Lancashire, England. He has worked for news agencies and as a photographer for the English Premier League soccer league.

Although a photojournalist who has covered serious subjects with his camera, Stidham said he has a fondness for his travels west.

“The landscapes were a nice escape. I am fond of them,” he said.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of publications for Ozarks Technical Community College. Contact him at koehlers@otc.edu.