“Grown, Built, Seen” and “The World of Black and White” Opening Reception

Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) celebrates the opening of TWO new exhibitions at Smith House Galleries on April 5, with a reception 5-7 pm during First Fridays of the Valley! “Grown, Built, Seen” by Trotter Hardy and “The World of Black and White” by Saul Harris both feature detailed photography from all across the globe. Local poetry group First Monday Poets share their own work inspired by four photographs from each exhibition during the opening reception, where you can visit with the artists, enjoy a live poetry reading, and sample light refreshments!

Trotter Hardy, formerly a law professor, is now a photographer inspired by symmetry, pattern, and tonal elegance. Hardy’s photography features botanical subject matter, human-made objects, and unique settings; in his artistic approach, he gravitates toward elements often overlooked in the day-to-day, highlighting the inherent beauty in things that would remain otherwise unseen.

Saul Harris began making black and white photographs in the 1960s, carrying his camera with him for another 50-plus years while moving amongst Chicago, Israel, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Often using black and white film – and developing it himself – Saul captures portraits of people and items in their environments, finding the beauty in what “is,” and photographing it.

Both exhibitions run through April 26, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11 am to 4 pm. The galleries will also be open Second Saturday (April 13) from 10 am to 2 pm. Each exhibition will also be available online (valleyarts.org/current-exhibition) in early April.