9/27/2004

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

‘IMAGES OF LIGHT’ PROJECT OFFERS COLLECTOR EDITION PHOTOGRAPHY

BY SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY’S MICHAEL J. CHANGNON TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP

             SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The family of the late Michael J. Changnon, professor of art, and the Slippery Rock University art department and the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc., have teamed to offer an eight-print series of black-and-white photographs to expand the Michael J. Changnon Memorial Art Scholarship as part of a special “Images of Light” project.

          Creation of the scholarship was requested by Professor Changnon (1943-2002) prior to this death as he told family and friends, “This scholarship is for the photography student that shows promise and exhibits creative potential in the field of photography. Special attention will be given to student work that takes a personal risk and pushes traditional boundaries.” Mr. Changnon made his home in Grove City. All proceeds benefit the scholarship.

          The photos will be on display Oct. 1-29 at Gallery 164 Bookstore in downtown Slippery Rock.

          Photos selected by the family for inclusion in the project were created between 1974 and 1998 and depict a variety of subjects, including outdoor settings making use of innovative photography concepts. The photos may be purchased individually at $250, or as a set of five for $1,000.

           During his 34 years at SRU, Mr. Changnon founded the university’s photography program and designed campus darkrooms for Art Building I. He developed the conference system, assisted in creating the bachelor of fine arts degree and served as curator at the Martha Gault Art Gallery. He also served as adviser to the award-winning Saxigena, campus yearbook, and helped in developing the annual Summer Arts Academy. He was also involved in teaching photography at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School of the Arts held at Mercyhurst College.

          A graduate of Ohio University, he taught painting and drawing and was well-known for his award-winning pastel drawings. One of his works was spotlighted on the cover of the SRU Student Government Association campus directory in 2002-03. Prior to joining the SRU faculty, he worked for Modern Age Darkrooms in New York City printing photographs for Life magazine.

          For a brochure depicting the selected photos and providing ordering information, call the SRU art department at 724-738-2020 or visit the Web site www.srufnd.org/imagesoflight.htm

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