ABERDEEN, S.D. – “Visual Lit,” the senior art exhibition for Northern State University student Katie Olson, will be on display in Williams Library from Monday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 14.
A reception will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the library. While Olson’s artwork may appear to consist of many separate styles and techniques, all pieces share one common thread, according to her artist statement: They are woven from the threads of literature.
“Throughout history and up to the present day, written works have and continue to utilize a variety of artists. I aim to use literary sources as a catalyst to drive art,” Olson said. “I comb through quotes I underline, figurative language I highlight, and/or annotations I make in the margins. I discover the themes and motifs these collections of words and passages represent, what messages they are trying to send out into the world, and what messages I want to send out into the world.”
Olson, the daughter of Marsha and Nels Olson, grew up in Aberdeen, graduating from Central High School in 2016.
An art education major, Olson said she has worked with many wonderful professors at Northern, including Nadya Preszler, Peter Kilian, Erin Fouberg and Elizabeth Haller, among others.
She chose to study at Northern because she’d previously attended the High School Art Workshop, taken dual-credit courses on campus, received scholarships and was familiar with the community.
Olson will graduate in spring 2020. Her future plans include starting her full-time teaching career and earning her MFA degree.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.