RALEIGH – For 14 months, 50 photographs depicting North Carolina’s mountains to coast, various time periods, and even far away places, have been on the road in North Carolina. The “Telling Our Stories” Photography Exhibit, organized on an eastern and western route by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, is ending. The Cameron Village branch of Wake County Public Library will display the final eastern show from Dec. 3-31. A reception with remarks by photographer Paul Dagys will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.
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, that traveled for the first time. Among images are a young Andy Griffith in The Lost Colony, or a pleasant pig. Cary photographer Paul Dagys’ satirical image, Wemen, and Raleigh photographer Jane Terry’s reflective Six Years II, are on the eastern tour. Our State award winner Guy Fortier, of Apex, shows hummingbird flying at bee balm on both “Telling Our Stories” tours. These photographers will attend the opening.
The State Library of North Carolina contacted public libraries across the state about hosting the exhibit. Altogether 33 libraries displayed the photographs, bringing small and medium sized markets a quality of artwork not often seen. Citizens from Macon County to Pasquotank have enjoyed the unique exhibit. The western tour ends at the Durham Public Library Dec. 10-31, giving Triangle residents the opportunity to see both exhibits.
Among comments written are “Not a photo here that doesn’t capture the spirit and the essence of humankind and its beauty,” from New Hanover County, or “The pictures are great. I love them all!” from Hoke County, and “Wonderful exhibit. So glad our library is exhibiting,” from Halifax County.
For information on the Raleigh exhibit call 856-6727. For information on the tours call 807-7389. The State Library of North Carolina is a division of the N. C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities, and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural and economic future. Information is available 24/7 at www.ncculture.com.