Dust to Dust opens Oct. 5 at Sterling College

Friday, September 29, 2017

"Dust to Dust: A photographic retrospective of the Dust Bowl" will open Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery of the Art and Media Center. The exhibit will feature approximately 35 prints from the National Library of Congress’ collection, along with reprinted photographs from the families of Sterling College professors Tom Bronleewe and Dr. Jonathan Conard, and articles from Sterling’s newspaper, “The Bulletin.”

“Storytelling is the key to understanding and engaging in history, and photography can be one of the strongest forms of that craft. We are fortunate to have access to such a vast library of images produced by the Farm Security Administration as well as individuals which tell the American Story. This exhibit will use imagery from the region and local area in order to provide a glimpse into one of the most infamous periods of the Great Plains. I hope both students and community will benefit from the images and stories within this exhibit,” said Sterling College Assistant Professor of Art and Design Daniel Swartz

Several contributed to the curating of “Dust to Dust,” including Sterling College professors Daniel Swartz, Sia Joung, Daniel Julich, Jonathan Conard, Tom Bronleewe, and students Mayda Stallbaumer and Olivia Dunning. Amy Gard, librarian at Sterling Free Public Library, also provided resources.

“Dust to Dust” will have special hours the weekend of Homecoming. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, the gallery will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, the gallery will be open from noon to 5 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display until Nov. 3, with viewing hours Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Groups can email art@sterling.edu to request special viewing times.