Through the lens of the Red House Photographers
Black Mountain Center for the Arts to host Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League exhibit in Upper Gallery
Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
September 29, 2021
“Tree in Darien,” by Lisa Steffens, is one of the more than 40 images that will be displayed in the Return of the Red House Photographers exhibit in the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, which opens in the Upper Gallery, Oct. 2. Photo courtesy of BMCA
Just down the street from the Black Mountain Center for the Arts is the Red House Studios and Gallery, home of the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League. A collaboration between the two organizations will bring the work of 13 photographers to the BMCA Upper Gallery this October.
The Return of the Red House Photographers exhibit, which opens with a public reception at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, will be on display in the Upper Gallery, which is free and open to the public, through Oct. 22.
More than 40 images will be displayed in the exhibit, with subject matter ranging from landscapes to portraits, architecture and abstracts, still life and nature. When BMCA opened its gallery to this group in 2019 there were seven participating photographers. Today, their ranks have grown to 13 members whose experience levels vary, but their enthusiasm for the medium is constant.
All the photographers are members of the 54-year old Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League, located in the Red House next to the Monte Vista Hotel, which is within walking distance of BMCA. The photography exhibit is part of a yearly collaboration between the nonprofit Arts Center and the Arts League’s artist-run collective.
“In supporting and nurturing the arts in Black Mountain, we, in turn, support the many talented artists in our area,” BMCA Executive Director Lori Cozzi said. “This annual show, whether photography or fiber or oil, is one way to share our beautiful space with our neighbors at the SVFAL.”
“Like our show two years ago, there is quite a variety of work, reflecting the interests and techniques of the individual photographers,” said Bruce Nelson, who is helping lead this effort along with displaying work in the show. “We love the gallery at BMCA because it is a large, open space and wonderfully lit.”
Photographers in this show include Herb Way, Lisa Steffens, Diane Leibinger, Dolph Henry, Richard Yarmy, Jon Shaner, David Hearne, Blair Waldick, Mac Read and Marie Tarowski. Their hope for this show is that viewers will appreciate the artistic, as well as the documentary and representational dimensions of photography.
The Red House Photographers have been a part of SVFAL for three years, according to Nelson. The fine arts photographers meet monthly, sharing and critiquing images. They also share techniques in photography and image editing.
”I think for all of us, the goal is to become better photographers,” Nelson said. “The quality of the work in this show will be testament to the positive results of their efforts.”
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street. For more information visit blackmountainarts.org or call 828-669-0930.