The accomplished LA based photographer and teacher, Jerry Burchfield, died Friday, September 11, 2009 after a long struggle with colon cancer. He had planned his last exhibit, “Distance,” for Biola University’s Art Gallery opening next Tuesday, September 22, 2009. Opening of “Distance,” retitled, “A Tribute to the Life & Art of Jerry Burchfield,” will be a time in memoriam of Burchfield, where family and friends will attend and be able to speak.

Burchfield, born in 1947, was known for more than being an outstanding artist, he was known for his passion of photography entangled with his outpouring support and generosity towards other artists. He seemed to make time for every inquiry from students and other photographers whether that be advice or ideas for new projects.

“As a young faculty member at Biola, I sought Jerry Burchfield's help and support for a major project I was working on,” said Barry Krammes, Biola University professor of Art. “He didn't know me. He had nothing to gain from helping me, yet Jerry enthusiastically offered his assistance with no strings attached. I'll never forget his kindness to me. But that's just the type of guy he was--a generous gift giver--continually offering his art, time and encouragement to everyone he encountered.”

Burchfield’s show, “Distance,” will be expanded beyond its original humanity vs. nature theme to include pieces from Burchfield’s family and other collectors.

“Distance addresses the teetering relationship between humanity and nature, focusing on art that celebrates natural beauty while attempting to increase awareness of civilization’s impact on the environment. Using cameraless photographic methodologies that go back to the origins of photography, Burchfield has documented flora and fauna in Southern California, Florida, Hawaii and the Amazon rain forest,” was the original show’s thesis. 

Gallery hours have been extended each day to allow for more visitors and longer viewing hours. On Monday through Friday, the gallery will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, the gallery will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the gallery will be closed on Sunday.

The show will continue through October 15, 2009.

Contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator, for more information at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.