The halls of the new Nampa Campus Health and Science Building (NCHS) and new Nampa Campus Simplot Agriculture Building (NAGB) at College of Western Idaho (CWI) are more than state of the art learning spaces. They have also become galleries showcasing the talent and perspective of CWI students.
Through CWI’s Digital Photography program, students in Digital Photography II (ARTS 250) have created images now permanently installed throughout the two newest buildings. The photographs, captured over a two-year period, reflect the disciplines housed within each space and demonstrate how student work can shape the campus environment.
The project began when Director of Planning and Construction, Aaron Whitman, explored ways to incorporate student photography into the buildings during the planning phase. After visiting similar facilities on other campuses, Whitman approached Digital Photography Instructor, Shawna Donahue, to see if the idea could be brought to life at CWI. The concept aligned with the goals of her Digital Photography II course, and students began working on the project in Spring 2024.
Students were challenged to create images that met professional standards for composition, lighting, and subject relevance, with the understanding that their work could be publicly displayed. Criteria were developed with campus partners to make sure the photographs reflected real environments students in those programs encounter during their studies.
For NCHS, students documented facilities and equipment used in health-related programs. For NAGB, students photographed at CWI’s previous greenhouses and horticultural center as well as locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Final selections were reviewed by campus representatives and installed throughout the buildings.
Digital Photography student, Holly Bale, is among the students whose work now brightens the halls of the news buildings.
“I was surprised and delighted by how beautiful and professional our artwork looked in its simple large canvas format dotting the white, well-lit hallways,” Bale said. “I feel proud of our small band of student and alumni photographers and humbled to be included in such a talented group.”
For Bale, photography has been a lifelong passion. She spent decades capturing the world on film, experimenting with light, landscapes, and everyday moments. In 2024, she decided to take her love of photography further and enrolled in CWI’s Digital Photography program, eager to explore new creative possibilities in the digital medium.
“I chose this program because I decided I wanted to turn a hobby and a passion of mine into a career,” Bale said. “I want to wake up in the morning and head out the door every day looking forward to doing something I relish.”
That passion is now on full display. In NAGB, her photographs feature greenhouse scenes including basil leaves, peach blossoms cradling a bee, and landscape details surrounding the facility. In NCHS, her work captures technical subjects such as crutches, dumbbells, stethoscopes, laboratory vials, and anatomical models.
Her favorite image is in NCHS which features a photograph of a human pelvis positioned in a way that creates a subtle heart shape through negative space.
“For me, photography is an exploration and celebration of the world around me,” Bale said. “In my creative process of engaging with the world through the unique viewpoint of my lens, I grow as a person and as an artist. I long to share that.”
Donahue believes that seeing student work installed across campus brings a deeper level of meaning to the learning experience.
“When students see their photographs professionally printed, installed, and publicly enjoyed, something shifts,” Donahue said. “Their achievements feel real and confirmed. I can see the pride in their eyes.”
Donahue also thinks the installations send a message to students studying in health science and agricultural science fields. While their disciplines demand technical expertise, they also leave space for creativity and perspective. The presence of student artwork throughout NCHS and NAGB reflects an educational environment where knowledge, skill, and creative expression can exist side by side.
In addition to Bale, participating student photographers include Kiarra Daly, Terry Harvey, Cory Kwan, Gregg McLeod, Kaylee Pearson, Kelly Rice, Suzanne Ringer, Jeff Seekamp, Stephanie Taylor, and Cydnee Wood.
“Being creative and continuing to learn new things is my passion,” said Rice. “I want to keep improving my photography. I love taking pictures in nature. There’s just an endless amount of beauty to work with.”
With their work now displayed throughout the buildings, these students have left a lasting mark on campus. As well as offering a glimpse into the vision, curiosity, and talent of the College’s Digital Photography program.
