Professor Olsen has solo exhibition at ArtSpace 506

Paul Olsen,who has taught photography and graphic design for the last 25 years in Coastal Carolina University’s Art Department, has a solo exhibition at ArtSpace 506 Gallery in North Myrtle Beach through March 21.

Olsen, professor of art at CCU, established the University's photography and graphic design programs. He also advises the student Archarios staff.

The show features works created over the course of the last 26 years that highlight Olsen’s involvement with the camera and its many possibilities. Included in the exhibition are photographs taken when Olsen was imbedded with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, photographs taken in Egypt and Greece, a selection of hand-painted photographs, and recent works depicting American “ruins,” places that have been abandoned, neglected and are in states of decay.

Olsen earned a BFA Degree in 1973 and an MFA Degree in 1975, both from the University of Miami, Florida. After graduation, he worked in Connecticut and New York as an art director and creative director for several advertising agencies. He then returned to Miami, where he started his own business as a freelance designer.

He began his teaching career at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Miss., where he taught graphic design and started the photography program. He moved to Missouri and taught graphic design at Columbia College and was department chair for three years.

His final move was to CCU where he was hired as the full time graphic design instructor and established the photography program. Olsen has exhibited his photography regionally, nationally and internationally.

http://www.scartshub.com/arts_daily/paul-olsen-contemporary-american-photography/