Professor Larry McNeil globalizes Idaho art

A variety of amazing student artwork captures the eye as one walks down the halls of Boise State’s Liberal Arts Building.

“That’s what makes it all worthwhile. That’s why I keep teaching. My students are talented and hard-working,” Larry McNeil, professor of photography, said.

McNeil was chosen as one of five artists nationally to contribute to the Art in Embassies program.

The program presents American artwork in embassies around the world.

“As a scholar, it is always best to be on the leading edge and breaking new ground,” McNeil said.

First Lady Laura Bush congratulated McNeil at a reception in Washington, D.C., to honor McNeil and the other artists.

McNeil recently received a number of additional national awards for his personal artwork, including the Eiteljorg Arts Fellowship and a New Works award from En Foco.

He was the only winner chosen from the United States for the National Geographic All Roads Award, which is presented to a select few indigenous artists from all over the world.

“Boise State has been very supportive of me and my research,” McNeil said.

McNeil created a blog for his students to keep them up to date on all of the behind-the-scenes information while he is traveling.

You can access it at www.larrymcneil.blogspot.com.

McNeil strives to teach his students what it takes to be successful not only academically as photographers, but also in life.

Many of his students continue their artwork and education at Boise State after graduation.

“It’s very rewarding when you help a person realize and fulfill the innate things about themselves,” McNeil said.

McNeil joined Boise State as a full tenure professor in 1999, after teaching at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M.

McNeil’s artwork appears in many national museums and galleries, and he has also developed his own website at www.larrymcneil.com to share his artwork with people worldwide.

JENNY MCBRIDE
News Writer

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