Noted photo-journalist Mark Romano's first solo photography exhibit is currently on display in the Glenville State College Fine Arts Gallery. One Hundred Years of Location Photography in Appalachia features thirty-four black and white photographs depicting life in West Virginia.

The exhibit consists of historical photos from the archives of photographer Finley Taylor, the News Leader newspaper of Richwood, West Virginia, and the work of Mark Romano. “These photographs represent lasting images of the lives of the people of this area. I feel that it is important to preserve this pictorial history of West Virginia,” said Romano.

While a student at Glenville State College, Romano’s interest in photo-journalism was sparked by two of his professors; Photography Professor Charlie Scott, and Journalism Professor Yvonne King, both GSC Faculty Emeriti. Romano received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Glenville State College in 1992. He earned his Master’s in Business Communications from West Virginia University in 1996. Romano has worked as a commercial photographer, feature photographer for the Parkersburg Sentinel, and photography instructor for New River Community and Technical College in Summersville, West Virginia. His full service photo studio, Images by Romano, is located in Summersville. Romano lives in Cowen with his wife Robin, and their two sons, Adam and Jared.

Since 1996, Romano has collected, preserved, and taken over 100,000 historical photos that tell a moving story of life in Appalachia, especially central, West Virginia. Romano is the author of seven books that include historical photo collections of Nicholas and Webster County, and other pictorial publications. His photos hung in the Best of West Virginia exhibit at Tamarac and have been displayed at many fairs and festivals in West Virginia. Information about his studio and publication can be found at www.imagesbyromano.com.

Romano will be discussing his work from 12-1 pm at The Robert F. Kidd Library at Glenville State College on Monday February 7. At that time he will be making a donation of six of his Photographs, valued at $1,000, to his Alma Mater. GSC students, faculty and staff, and the general public are cordially invited to attend. A complementary light lunch will be served. In addition, a reception for Romano will be held that evening from 5-7 pm in the GSC Fine Arts Gallery.

The One Hundred Years of Location Photography in Appalachia exhibit in the GSC Fine Arts Gallery is open from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday until March 11. The Gallery is also open one hour prior to all special events in the Fine Arts Building.

For more information about the exhibit contact Sheri Skidmore at (304) 462-6340.