This image, “Blacksmith,” is among Mark Svendsen’s Afghanistan photographs to go on display from Jan. 9-Feb. 16 at The Little Gallery on the OSU campus. An opening reception is planned for Jan. 18. (Photo by Mark Svendsen via The Little Gallery)

A show featuring a selection of images by Philomath photographer Mark Svendsen will open Tuesday and run through Feb. 16 at The Little Gallery, 210 Kidder Hall, on the Oregon State University campus.

Entitled “Afghanistan Before The Wars,” the exhibition will feature an opening reception with Svendsen from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18.

Mark Svendsen’s “Refugee Girl” in the Afghanistan Before the Wars exhibit coming to The Little Gallery at OSU. (Photo by Mark Svendsen via The Little Gallery)

Svendsen began his international career as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching high school mathematics and science in Afghanistan after receiving a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1968. He returned to Afghanistan for a second assignment in 1971 in a food-for-work program, a response to a drought-induced famine, and remained for an additional year as a Peace Corps staff member.

Photos featured in the show were taken during those two periods of Svendsen’s residency in Afghanistan.

For those planning to visit, parking is available in OSU lots and on the street near campus. Kidder Hall is located in the northeast quadrant of the campus north of Goss Stadium and the Valley Library.