NC Cultural Resources Newsroom

RALEIGH – A fresh look at North Carolina has arrived at the Madison County Public Library in Marshall. The “Telling Our Stories” Photography Exhibit includes 50 images from the state’s mountains to the coast that show different events and time periods. Organized by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the exhibition incorporates some of the state’s best professional photographers, the top winners of Our State magazine’s 2008 photography contest, and for the first time photographs from the State Archives are on tour. The exhibit will end in Marshall March 12, then travels to Macon County.

Area photographers also are showcased. Our State magazine’s grand prize winner is Bonnie Short of Hendersonville, with the arresting “Blue heron in my backyard” photo. Chris Talbot of Saluda has “At Lake Summit in Hendersonville” on display. Among professional’s, Rob Amberg of Marshall has “Blast Supervisor’s inspecting site,” in the exhibit, and Alice Sebrell of Asheville’s photo “Where do you hide your innocence” is on display. (www.ourstate.com, www.robamberg.com)

The tour was arranged through the State Library of North Carolina, and will visit 33 libraries across the state through December 2009, on an eastern and a western route. Each route includes 11 images from the top winners of the 2008 Our State magazine Readers Choice Photography contest, 21 images from professional photographers, and 18 pictures from the State Archives. Other images are of a young Andy Griffith in The Lost Colony, a desert crossing, and a pleasant pig. Visit Telling Our Stories Photo Exhibit 

Patrons and librarians have enjoyed the exhibit. A patron in Lenoir wrote, “Just wonderful! Especially the black and whites – fond memories of days gone by,” and from Marion, “I am familiar with the magazine and pictures. What a wonderful surprise! Do more of this.”

For additional information, call (919) 807-7389. The State Archives and State Library are part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Cultural Resources provides information and podcasts 24/7 at www.ncculture.com.