THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240212
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CREATIVE LICENSE
SOURCE: Mary Ellen Riddle
LENGTH: 88 lines
In the 1970s, I had a friend who was a professor of sociology. He believed that artists had a responsibility to create art that could be understood by the masses. Anything that was too abstract or too personal was a selfish indulgence bearing little socially-redeeming value.
His appreciation of art was limited with an emphasis on the literal. Needless to say, he was not an artist. He would love the photography show currently hanging at the Dare County Arts Council gallery.
The recent call for photography by the local arts group has turned up an interesting mix of prints that cover the walls at the Arts Council's Nags Head location. The show will hang through Jan. 31. The first DCAC show of this kind opened last week with 38 amateur and professional shutterbugs participating. Exhibited side by side is a total of 84 works including portraits, landscapes, still lifes and environmental photography that range from the family album snapshot to in-depth nature studies.
The joint effort speaks to the importance of the medium to everyday folk as well as photography's role as a fine art forum. There is something for all in this venue. And my friend of long ago would be pleased. In one respect we agree: Art is for everyone. I am glad, though, that he did not concoct the rules for this show. Were it not for the open-minded entry format: ``Bring whatever you please,'' I don't think we'd have had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of photography to the masses.
Staring back at the viewers are shots of: youths basking in adolescence, common domestic tasks elevated to an art form, set-up shots speaking to the photographer's interest in humor and happenstance grabs showcasing vigilance in the photojournalist.
This photography show allows us to marvel at technical proficiency, giggle at family quirks, gasp at endless skyscapes and warm our hearts in homey interiors. The grab bag mix is ripe for interpretation on any level.
Visitors to the show voted on their five favorites (I applaud for my friend by proxy). Certificates were awarded. In order of popularity, the picks are:
1. ``Egret in the Reeds,'' by Steve Lautermilch. Lautermilch offers a poetic portrait rich in color and texture.
2. An untitled color photograph by Hilda Bayliss depicting a close-up of hands cracking an egg over a ceramic bowl. Bayliss underscores the symphony existing in the mundane.
3. ``Cape Hatteras,'' by Ray Matthews. Matthews presents an aerial view with a striking composition that whisks us from land to the heavens in a breath.
4. ``Twisted Cedar,'' by Michael Helminski. The stately tree offers comfort and permanence in an island setting.
5. ``Church on Portsmouth Island,'' by Ray Matthews. Matthews uses color to add dimension in this peaceful shot.
Also of note is the work by Mike Hogan. His photograph of a humble home finds the viewer peeking into a private yet inviting world aglow in amber hue. Hogan's work has a quiet sensitivity. Stumpy Point theater group picks officers
A group working to form a dinner theater and art center at Stumpy Point's school house chose board members at a meeting Jan. 15. Board members are: Jennifer Gray, Dallas Gray, Carl Parrott, Etta Parrott, Dr. Wil Payne, Carroll L. Payne, Edith Deltgen, Gene Gallelli, Marietta Trainor, Bill Plyler, George Spence, Grace Hooper and Ginny Lynch. Gallelli was appointed chairman, Carroll L. Payne stepped in as vice-chairman and Jenny Gray accepted the secretary/treasurer seat.
The group is looking for letters of support from the community. These can be mailed to Carroll Payne at 292 Bayview Drive, Stumpy Point, N.C. 27978. The next board meeting is set for Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Dare County Commissioners meeting room on Ananias Dare St. in Manteo. If you wish to be put on the agenda, please call Jennifer Gray at 473-2747. Stitchers win award
Manteo's Carol Williams and other Outer Banks artists and business folk receive a national nod in the latest edition of The Stitchery Magazine. Williams, a cross stitch designer, manufacturer and distributor is profiled in the current publication.
A number of locals are mentioned who played a role in Williams' award-winning cross stitch career: Nags Head artist Susan Vaughan, Kill Devil Hills photographer Steve MacDonald of Lenscape, The Christmas Shop's Edward Greene, Nags Head's Bruce and Cheryl Roberts of Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts and children's book author Suzanne Tate of Nags Head.
Williams operates a cross stitch supply retail outlet, C-Stitch, out of the Dare Haven Motel in Manteo. Pick up a copy of The Stitchery for more details on her latest ventures. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Mary Ellen Riddle
Zoe Fawcett looks at her favorite as the best photograph in the Dare
County Arts Council photography show.