Ronda, Spain -- image by Ryan Mason

"Abroad," an exhibition of some 20 photographs by UNC Asheville junior Ryan Mason, will be on view September 12-October 15 at UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 3:15-5 p.m. Thursday, September 13, with an artist talk at 3:30 p.m.

Mason, a Spanish and Health & Wellness Promotions major, traveled to southern Spain last spring. There, he spent a semester studying at the University Seville's Spanish Language and Humanities Program. The exhibition of black-and-white photographs depicts his stay in Spain as well as travels to Italy, France, Morocco, Czech Republic and Portugal. The images feature bull fights, cityscapes, landscapes and churches.

"I want my photos to evoke in the viewer the kinds of emotions I felt while traveling, which is a combination of shock, awe, disbelief and an overwhelming sense of joy to see such beautiful and intriguing sights," Mason said.

UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union Gallery is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays but hours are subject to change. Admission is free. For more information, call 828/251-6991.