City Hall Art Exhibit Revolves Around Local Wetlands - Also, See Video from the Top of the WGNS Radio Tower

Jul 10, 2013 at 01:00 am by bryan


On Thursday, a public reception is planned between 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the Murfreesboro City Hall rotunda. The purpose of the reception is to welcome in a brand new photographic art display. The current display involves the photographic work of local favorites Harry Polny, Terry Spence, Bob Timmerman, and Dan Whittle. A portion of the pictures captured by the four photographers were taken at the base of the WGNS radio tower in the Murfree Spring Wetlands. Other pictures were taken at the Maney Wetland at Oakland Park, the Murfreesboro Greenway System, and other parks and natural areas in our community. The exhibit will be on display now through August 9, 2013.

More On The Wetlands: Pictorial interpretations of a Murfreesboro Treasure:

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“Rivers, streams, and wetlands are vital to the ecological balance in Murfreesboro.  As we’ve become more and more urban, it is more important than ever that we love and protect them,” stated Angela Jackson, Assistant Director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department when commenting on the City Hall Art Committee’s upcoming exhibit Wetlands: Pictorial Interpretations of a Murfreesboro Treasure. Featuring the art photography of local favorites Harry Polny, Terry Spence, Bob Timmerman, and Dan Whittle, the exhibit is scheduled June 25–August 9, 2013. Set in the Rotunda Gallery of Murfreesboro’s City Hall, a public reception is planned Thursday, July 11, 2013, 4:30–6:00 p.m.

The Wetlands from the Top of the Tower:

Engineer John Hettish videotaped his climb to the top of the 328-foot radio tower in late 2012. Below is what that climb looked like from a birds eye view... 

“While not only showcasing the work of four amazing photographers this exhibit also conveys the many opportunities that exist for families to connect with Murfreesboro’s Wetlands; to discover that nature abounds at Murfree Spring Wetland, Maney Wetland at Oakland Park, the Murfreesboro Greenway System, and other parks and natural areas in our community. This exhibit offers a perspective through the eyes and lenses of local photographers, and should encourage you to get outside, and take a closer look for yourself,” concluded Jackson.

Harry Polny began his career in photography as a combat photographer with the United States Navy. Following his discharge from the service he pursued careers in law enforcement and teaching. It was not until retirement and a move to Murfreesboro that Polny rediscovered the “touch” that had remained with him when he began to take photos again. He says, “I enjoy shooting landscapes…in and around Murfreesboro. I can drive a few miles from my house and find dozens of old barns and spend hours just watching and photographing the woods as the light moves.” Polny says the Wetlands are an equally enjoyable adventure.

For Terry Spence, an officer with the Murfreesboro Police Department, police Major Clyde Adkinson mentored his initial interest in photography.  Adkinson offered insights about composition and lighting and the always important need to pay close attention to detail. Armed with only a digital camera in 2003, Spence and his wife began to take trips following her efforts to beat breast cancer. By 2008, a solo exhibit of his work that featured firefighters, paramedics, landscapes, children, senior citizens, and Murfreesboro, Nashville, New York City, and Chicago cityscapes attracted such a turnout that it remains one of the Rotunda’s highest attended events.

Bob Timmerman spent 35 years in LaVergne building radial truck tires for Bridgestone. Following his retirement he started an event photography business in Murfreesboro that specializes in youth athletics and local events. While professing a great love for his work with local athletes and their sporting events, he admits that he is happiest, “…when in the woods with my cameras.”

Dan Whittle spent several years in the newspaper business where his articles and opinion columns earned him a great deal of respect and trust from a wide following of supporters. In 2006, however, he was forced to retire due to a major heart health issue. Through the encouragement of his wife, Pat and Dr. Chris Thompson it was not long before he found a new passion; nature photography. Starting with his Smyrna backyard, Whittle says he found that, ““Communing with nature can be soothing to the psyche, healing to the inner soul, and yes, a special spiritual experience. … Outdoor nature photography beats the heck out of sitting behind a dusty desk day-after-day.”

Quick facts

Date: June 25–August 9, 2013

Location: In the Rotunda at City Hall

Address: 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro

Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Reception: Thursday, July 11, 2013, 4:30–6:00 p.m.

With the exception of holidays, the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

For further information or directions to the Rotunda of City Hall 893-5210

For further information on Murfreesboro Wetlands, contact Angela Jackson 615-890-5333

 

Source: 

Todd Art Gallery, Department of Art, Middle Tennessee State University

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