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( See separate schedule for The Chastain Theatre ) |
2006
• City Day, City Night, Nov. 3 - Nov. 30
A Metropolitan Portrait by Nicholas Elmes
What is a city? What makes a city a city? What creates the flavor and feel of a city?Local photographer Nicholas Elmes answers these questions in his new exhibit City Day, City Night on display at The Prizery in South Boston from November 3 until November 30.
"I realized that what made it a place, made it a town or a city, wasn't necessarily the people, because they are transient," said Elmes. "What makes a city what it is 50 years ago, or 50 years in the future, or today is the actual structure of the city, the structures, the roads, the mortar the steel. They are the history of the town and they are the town."
Elmes' exhibit focuses on the downtown area of Richmond Virginia.
"I wanted to capture as many elements of the city in one go as I could," he explains. "So I focused on the downtown area, the Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip area because they are two of the city's main recreational, commercial and entertainment areas. I focused on the downtown financial district because it is really the business center of the city. And I also focused on the area around the capitol because it is the governmental hub of the city."
City Day, City Night is the result of a one-day photographic expedition through these areas.
"I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon walking this path that I had picked out in advance," said Elmes. "I captured the city during the day while it was inhabited, while people were walking around. And then I went back at night and spent a couple of hours at night walking the exact same path capturing the city when it was empty, when the structures of the city seemed to be the sole inhabitants." The exhibit consists of thirty large (13in. x 19in.) images that were all captured during that day in Richmond along with nine smaller images that are representative of some of the night time photography that Elmes did prior to Richmond.
The images depict all of the aspects of the city.
Some show the massive, impressive, awe-inspiring overpasses of I-95 and I-195.
"I have always found it impossible to stand underneath those without feeling very small," said Elmes. "But at the same time you can't stand under those and not feel like you are part of the city." There are also images of some of the older forms of transpiration into and out of the city including canals and railroads.
And there are quite a few images of the smaller areas, the abandoned alleyways and the parking garages that are used everyday by the city, that are essential to the city, but which are largely the forgotten areas of the city.
The exhibit includes both black and white and color digital photographs.
"All of the images are relatively straight out of the camera with very little digital manipulation involved beyond the basics of cropping, sharpening and contrast adjustment," said Elmes. "All of which are basic darkroom techniques that you would do whether you were shooting digital or film." A former resident of Richmond, Elmes said the exhibit is the first time he has felt like he truly captured the spirit of the city.
"The images represent the city itself. They are truly a portrait of the city of Richmond," he said. "Looking at the exhibit I feel as if I am living there again and am a part of that metropolitan area. Elmes grew up in Richlands, Virginia, and currently lives in South Boston with his wife and daughter. He is currently working as a staff photographer, writer, webmaster, and layout designer at The Gazette-Virginian and The News-Progress.
His photography has been exhibited in three Shockoe Bottom Arts Center juried shows in Richmond, VA and in a two-man show at Southwest Virginia Community College. His work has also been published The Rotunda, The Richlands News-Press, The Gazette-Virginian, The New-Progress, his own annual calendar Reflections on a Year and The College of William and Mary's literary magazine The Gallery. He is also a founding member of Strangeview Photos.
• Op Ed Theatre Performance
Friday, November 3, 7 p.m.
Chastain Theatre - Free to the public
An original performance by the middle school students participating in The Prizery's after school Opportunities in Arts Education program. Sponsored by the Halifax County School, Mentor Role Model Program and The Prizery.
• Taste of the Holidays
Sunday, November 19
Banquet Hall - $5 per person
Capping off the day of shopping and holiday cheer at Downtown's Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 19 will be "A Taste of the Holidays" at The Prizery from 6 - 9 p.m. It will be an exciting gourmet food auction. Tasting portions of different dishes will be offered and patrons will bid on these dishes to be made for them and delivered at a time of their choice. Admission fee is $5. This is a great opportunity to get Christmas gifts for friends and families. You won't want to miss this exciting event to kick off the holidays! Funds raised will benefit the Prizery.
December Art Gallery - Pottery of the Dan River Region
2007
February 9 & 10
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The Crossing of the Dan - 226th Anniversary Celebration
Planned Events:
• Guest Authors - lectures, book signings • Musicians in the Chastain Theatre • Fifes & Drums • Wreath Laying Ceremonies - SAR, DAR • Batteau rides on the Dan River The Town of South Boston, The Prizery, and The Halifax County Historical Society |
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The Dan River OprySaturday, May 19, 8 - 11 p.m.  Stillhouse Bottom Band. Great Bluegrass in the Prizery Banquet Hall, your favorite beverage, and do a little flat-footing, too! $10 cover. |
The Prizery has been host to some exciting gatherings and will continue to have an impact on the community's economy and tourism, offering both residents and tourists an opportunity to learn about the area's history and providing cultural, educational, and recreational programs for citizens.
The Prizery, located at 700 Bruce Street in Downtown South Boston's Tobacco Warehouse District. To learn more about the Prizery, to become a volunteer with the exciting project, or to inquire about renting the facility for your next event, email Chris Jones.