>Coastal Photo Club of New Bern to exhibit original photographs in two city venues

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Two exhibits featuring photography by members of the Coastal Photo Club of New Bern will open during the first week of January. Dozens of original photographs will be on display and available for purchase at the New Bern-Craven County Public Library and at the Pavilion at Carolina Colours off US Highway 70 East in New Bern.

“New Bern provides great support for all of the arts,” said Hills. “We truly appreciate how this environment provides an opportunity for two exhibits of compelling work by local photographers.”

The exhibit at the library opens with a “meet the artist” open house at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 5th. Admission is free. During the open house, professional photographer and instructor Tom McCabe, a member of the Coastal Photo Club (CPC), will offer a short instructional session for the public. He will discuss the basic principles of composition. The photo exhibit will run at the library through the month of January.

The exhibit at the Carolina Colours Pavilion opens January 6, 2012 and runs through April 2, 2012. Both exhibits are being coordinated by photographer Chuck Colucci of New Bern.

In addition to regularly hosting informational meetings and programs on the art of photography, the CPC also conducts community service projects, Hills said. Recently, the Club sponsored free portrait packages for local nursing home residents and their families, with the support of the Area Agency on Aging and a donation from a CPC member. Cooperative ventures with schools and youth groups are underway. The Coastal Photo Club often collaborates with the East Carolina Camera Club of the Greenville, NC, area.

“We’re excited to be able to share our creativity with the community,” said Judy Hills, club president. “We also hope to inspire other amateur photographers in the region through these exhibits and activities.”

The Coastal Photo Club meets the second Saturday of every month in the basement level meeting room at the Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern. Guests are welcome. The January 14 meeting will include a voluntary critique of member photos. For information, e-mail Judy Hills or visit the CPC web site at www.coastalphotoclub.com.

Submitted by: Jeanne Julian for the Coastal Photo Club