Friday, Carriere resident Bill Keith Edwards will unveil his photographic journey through nature at his first gallery exhibit opening at the Crosby Arboretum.
“We are very excited to have him exhibit his photographs this summer,” Crosby Arboretum Director Patricia Drackett said. “This gallery gives the talented people of our area a way to display their art to the community.”
About a year ago, the arboretum hosted its first art exhibit, which featured the work of Arboretum member Mary Murchison, Drackett said. Murchison would come to the arboretum to make nature mandalas to photograph.
Drackett said they discovered Murchison’s photography via social media.
“There is a lot of hidden talent out there, from people just beginning with photography to those trying to make it professionally,” Drackett said. “The gallery exhibits allow people the opportunity to come and see what the arboretum is all about.”
Edwards has been taking photographs for the past 50 years and the majority of his images to be shown will be of moments captured in nature.
“I take pictures of things that I see at the spur of the moment,” Edwards said. “Then, I go back to my lab to bring out the emotions I’m feeling or felt at the time and preserve it how I envisioned it in my mind.”
Edwards’ father also had a love of photography, which spurred his son’s affinity for the craft. During his time overseas, Edwards wore a backpack that included a camera.
“It became attached to me,” Edwards said. “I’m just driven by it, when I see something I run and grab my camera.”
According to previous Item coverage, Edwards can also be found capturing moments and events in Picayune with his video camera. His photographs and videos are shared via his Facebook page, Picayune, MS Community Events and YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/Ubetube09.
The exhibit will include images taken by Edwards at the arboretum, around Picayune, at Niagara Falls and in Scotland.
Friday’s exhibit will last from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the event is free. The exhibit will be on display through the end of August.
The Crosby Arboretum is located at 370 Ridge Rd., Picayune. For more information about upcoming events, follow the arboretum’s Facebook page at The Crosby Arboretum/Mississippi State University Extension Service and visit the website at www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.
The arboretum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact staff at 601-799-2311.