By Kelli Urry
Tonight BYU?S Museum of Art will honor New York City photographer Rodney Smith?s black and white photography.
The event, which lasts from 7 to 9 p.m., is known as the Black and White party, is free of charge and open to the public. The party will feature refreshments, music and entertainment.
?We?ll have live music and there will be chocolate involved in the refreshments,? said Chris Wilson, director of marketing and communications at the museum.
Because many of Smith?s models wear distinctive hats in his photography, a hat contest will be held at the party as well. Prizes will be awarded for most beautiful, original and funny hats.
Smith has long-standing ties with many alumni and allowed BYU to select 69 photographs specifically for the museum exhibit. ?Adam?s Dream: The photographs of Rodney Smith? has been on display since July and will run through Jan. 16.
?These are very exquisite and high quality photographs,? said John Teleford, professor of photography at BYU.
Companies such as B.M.W., New York City Ballet and Saks Fifth Avenue are several companies that have commissioned Smith in the past.
One unique thing about Smith?s photography is that he still uses traditional methods of gelatin silver printing and develops his own film in the dark room, said Diana Turnbow, curator at the Museum of Art.
?Viewers can expect to be both charmed and intrigued,? Turnbow said. ?Rodney likes to explore alternative realities and fantastic feats.?
Wilson said the exhibit carries classical, surreal, elegant, and whimsical themes.
?It makes me wonder how someone could have such an amazing imagination,? Wilson said.
The party will last from 7 to 9 p.m.
BYU?s Museum of Art is open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5, and closed Sundays.
