Originally from the farmlands of northwest Iowa, Ryan is a transplant to central North Dakota. His education alternated between art and theology [MFA from the University of North Dakota, MA in Theology from Sioux Falls Seminary (SD), and a BA in Art from Northwestern College (IA)]. Drawing upon his theological background, the themes of memory, identity, and place often rise to the fore in his work.
As a printmaker and photographer, his work has been exhibited internationally in South Africa, China, Central and South America; nationally in New York, New Jersey, Texas and across the Upper-Midwest.
Stander is currently a Professor of Art at Minot State University in Minot, ND, where he teaches photography, directs the BFA program, and co-directs Flat Tail Press.
