BHSU senior, Carissa Doolittle will have her photos on display at the Dahl Art Center in Rapid City. Doolittle will have 20 black and white photographs in the emerging artists gallery from Oct. 6 to Nov. 14. Doolittle will be graduating in May with an art and mass communications degree. Along with the gallery in the Dahl Arts Center, Doolittle will be showing her work at the BHSU Senior Art Show in April.

When asked who Doolittle’s main influences are she said, “I have many mentors and influences in my life and each one helps me in a different way. My biggest influence in my life would have to be my dad. I don’t know anyone who works harder than he does. He has always told me that I can do anything that I put my mind to and that with hard work nothing can stop me. It is his influences that have made me the strong willed and determined individual I am today.”

Doolittle will be attending the University Center in Rapid City after graduation to begin a master’s program for secondary education beginning in August.

Doolittle said that BHSU has really made her realize her passion for art. She has been drawing for most of her life, but got into it as she took classes through the university.
“The body of work that I have chosen to display is very personal to me, for the subject matter is about ranching, cowboys and the western way of life. I grew up on a ranch and own my own cattle so it comes second nature. I hope this body of work will give people a new perspective on this lifestyle fewer people are choosing to live because this life is a lot of hard work, but the people that choose to do it are extraordinary individuals,” Doolittle said.

Doolittle has had many professors during her time at BHSU and has been influenced in many ways by each one.

“Steve Babbitt and Jerry Rawlings are two of the most helpful and influential professors anyone could ask for. They pushed me to become a better photographer and at the same time they supported me in the direction I chose to take my photography. These two professors go above and beyond in their jobs to help anyone,” Doolittle said.

Hand by Carissa Doolittle Moving by Carissa Doolittle