Published: September 03, 2008 05:39 pm            

McCreary featured in photo exhibition

‘Spirit of Nature’ at Center

SOMERSET — The beauty of nature is captured in a new visual arts exhibit presented by Lake Cumberland Performing Arts (LCPA) in partnership with The Center for Rural Development.

The exhibit, entitled “Spirit of Nature,” celebrates the splendor of the great outdoors as seen through the camera lens of nature photographer Char-line Marrinan. She will share scenes from some of her most photographed areas in her home county of Pulaski, nearby McCreary County and other places where she has visited in a collection of photographs on display at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.

Marrinan, one of the area’s leading nature photographers, is the featured artist in the latest exhibit to be showcased in the visual arts gallery. “Spirit of Nature” will be on display through mid-November in the lobby area and first floor of The Center. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and during special events when the facility is open to the public.

A reception to honor Marrinan and her work will be held Friday, Sept. 12, from 6-7 p.m. preceding the 2008-09 Center Stage opening performance of The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion.

“The beauty captured in this exhibit is truly exceptional. LCPA and The Center are delighted to showcase Charline Marrinan’s photographs in our gallery,” said Dianna Winstead, associate director of arts and culture for The Center.

Marrinan overcame many obstacles to pursue her passion for photography. At the age of 2, she was diagnosed with a significant developmental disability. The process of taking photographs was often difficult for Marrinan who struggled to get the film loaded and unloaded from the camera.

“Charline has never thought she couldn’t do (it), and she loved to take photos, but if the film survived her getting it in the camera, it usually didn’t survive getting it out correctly,” Pam Marrinan wrote in a biography of her daughter to promote “The Spirit of Nature” exhibit.

The introduction of digital photography opened up a world of possibilities for Marrinan to explore her craft. “Finally, at long last she had her very own interest,” Pam Marrinan said of her daughter’s desire to capture the images of nature. “Amazingly, her talent matched that passion from the very beginning. From her first zoon and snap, Charline has been capturing marvelous scenes of nature.”

Marrinan and her “Spirit of Nature” photo book have been invited to be a part of the Kentucky Book Fair. She has been featured on KET-TV “Kentucky Life” series with Dave Shuffett. On the show, Marrinan was shown taking photos at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. When asked what she sees through the lens of her camera, she replied, “I see God’s beauty.”

“The Spirit of Nature exhibit is so much more for Charline than an exhibit of her photographs,” said Pam Marrinan. “It shows that God has truly blessed her in a special way. We continue to see her talent as a beautiful gift from God.”

The Center for Rural Development is located at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Stoplight No. 15) in Somerset. There is no admission to view the art exhibit. For more information about the exhibit, contact Dianna Winstead at 606-677-6000 or e-mail her at:



dwinstead@centertech.com



Marrinan can be reached through her home e-mail address:



pmarrinan@kih.net

        

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