Corban’s Psalm Visual Arts Gallery Features Mountaineer

January 15, 2010

Salem, Ore. — Corban College & Graduate School presents the photography of Dr. Matthew L. Strauser in the Psalm Visual Arts Gallery from January 18, 2010, and throughout the month of February. The exhibit, “Ascent 2010,” features mountain scenes from the exhibitor’s recent climbing trips to Mt. McKinley, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Washington. Photographic images from “Ascent 2010” were captured with the artist’s first digital SLR: a Canon 30D.

The public is invited to the exhibit at the Psalm Visual Arts Gallery, located in the Psalm Performing Arts Center on Corban’s campus, 5000 Deer Park Drive SE, Salem/97317. Gallery hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays.  Admission is free, and parking is also free. An artist’s reception is open to the public on Sunday, February 21, 3–5 p.m.

Strauser is Director of Choral Activities at Corban. He also directs worship at Keizer Community Church. At Corban he directs the choirs and teaches conducting, aural skills, and music education classes. He also teaches rock climbing, mountaineering, and cross-country skiing. He holds bachelor degrees in geology and music education from the University of Montana in Missoula, a master’s in New Testament biblical studies from Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Ill., and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Oregon in Eugene. He and his wife Naomi live in Salem, have four children and have one grandson.

Strauser has been interested in science, music and adventure for as long as he can remember. His love of photography began when he was in high school, influenced by family members. His passion for climbing and subsequent move out West followed his friend’s retelling of climbing in the Tetons in 1976. He has since climbed mountains in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Alaska. The artist is most grateful to God the Creator for these mountain adventures. He states, “Good art, as in good science, always directs our thoughts toward the Maker.”

Learn more about Matt Strauser and "Ascent 2010."

By Jenny Hirschfelder, Staff Writer, Office of Marketing & Communications
503-375-7005  |  jhirschfelder@corban.edu