See pictures from the event

Oklahoma State University (OSU) alumni Christine Miller and Gary Jones are exhibiting a collection of digital photographs capturing an array of landscapes, wildlife and subjects, in the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery at the OSU Foundation in Stillwater.

The OSU Foundation will host an opening reception for “Framed: The Fine Art Photography of Christine Miller and Gary R. Jones” on April 19, 5:30 – 7 p.m and is open free to the public. All photographs are available for sale with proceeds supporting the School of Architecture and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Jones’s interest in photography began before attending college at OSU, but his practice of the art faded once he began working at an accounting firm in Dallas. His desire to take pictures was rekindled after returning to the OSU campus for a master’s degree followed by a position in the information technology department where he saw a photograph taken by famed photographer Galen Rowell.

“I saw a landscape photo taken by Galen Rowell and said ‘that’s what I want to do’,” Jones said.

Jones was so inspired by Rowell’s work that he applied for a class Rowell was instructing and studied alongside the esteemed artist during several weeklong expeditions in the Colorado mountains.

“Galen was an energetic, highly skilled mountaineer and photographer who took his students to the next level,” Jones said. “He shared his immense knowledge of light, composition and being in nature to impress upon us what photography can do to bring the beauty in nature to others.”

Approximately four years ago Jones and Miller, who had known each other for several years prior, began sharing their interests in photography and their desire to explore digital photography.  The two started traveling together with a mutual friend, and fellow photography enthusiast, searching for interesting landscapes and subjects.  As a result, they have held annual gallery showcases for the past three years and currently have photographs for sale at local retail outlets.

“I’ve had an interest in photography for several years,” Miller said. “But it was never more than just an interest until I started using a digital camera.  Digital has enabled me to learn quickly and inexpensively.  I have control over the development process and can be selective about which pictures I print.”

The two have traveled to scenic locations across Oklahoma, Colorado and Arkansas taking digital photographs, which have won multiple awards including “Best in Show” at local fairs across Oklahoma. In addition to landscapes, the show will include photographs of plants, people, events and architecture.

Miller is a 1987 math graduate from OSU and the assistant director of information systems for the OSU Foundation. Jones, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management from OSU in 1988, works as the director of technical support in the College of Human Environmental Sciences at OSU.

Named in honor of the Foundation’s former board chairman, the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery showcases Oklahoma and OSU artists. The gallery serves to strengthen the connection between Oklahoma State University and the OSU Foundation. The gallery is open to the public and free-of-charge Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

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