Galloway, N.J. – A new art exhibit centering small oil studies and large landscapes of national parks across the United States will be on display on the upper floor of the Stockton University Art Gallery until late March.

Professor Emeritus David Ahlsted created the brilliant paintings between 1988 and 1995 after visiting iconic parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and Grand Teton. His view of the American West is unique. He intentionally chose previously unacknowledged locations rather than painting the parks’ most famous features.

Ahlsted helped found Stockton’s Visual Arts program and taught painting, drawing and two-dimensional design for 30 years. As a professor, he was instrumental in expanding Stockton’s art program into the digital world and led the effort to establish the Art Gallery as Stockton’s first professional exhibition space. His works will be displayed until March 23. 

The curator of “Paintings of National Parks,” Professor of Art History Kate Ogden, will be available to answer questions and discuss her inspiration for bringing Ahlsted’s works to the Art Gallery during a “Curator’s Talk & Reception” event at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4.