CHINA GROVE — Self-taught photographer and China Grove native Julie Deal will display her work Sunday for the newest exhibit at the Roller Mill Museum.
The Historical Society of South Rowan is sponsoring “Picture Seasons” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, located at 308 N. Main St. next to Community One Bank. The exhibit is free, open to the public and refreshments will be served.
“We are very happy to be bringing the artistry of Julie Deal for the public’s enjoyment. We have admired Julie’s work for many years,” said Carole Brooke, a member of the Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
Deal chooses unique subjects and brings interesting perspective to her photos, Brooke said.
Deal’s photography exhibit features about 70 photos of a variety of subjects, including people, still life, animals, flowers, landscapes and nature scenes from the beach and mountains, a statement said.
“I enjoy photographing scenery and landscapes the most, especially sunrises, sunsets and flowers,” said Deal. “God gives us these beautiful scenes to enjoy, and I like to try to capture the special artistry in each of them.”
Deal has enjoyed taking pictures her whole life, but became more serious within the last several years when digital photography took off.
“I like to think about and envision my photos before I take them, to really think about what makes a great picture. And it’s wonderful to see the immediate result with digital photography,” Deal said.
The self-proclaimed amateur said she’s “very humbled” to have her work featured in the exhibit.
“I’m grateful for the support of the Historical Society and for the encouragement and help of my Lunch Bunch friends, who put a lot of faith in me and assisted me in putting this exhibit together,” she said.
Deal said she hopes people who visit the exhibit realize they “don’t have to be a professional to enjoy taking photos and to produce nice pictures.”
Deal works full time at King Eye Center in China Grove, and part time at the Stag ‘n Doe Restaurant, also in China Grove.
She is married to China Grove native Ronnie Deal and they have daughters April and Stacy, son Chase, daughter-in-law Annie, and two dogs, Jake and Luke.
For more information, contact the Historical Society of South Rowan at 704-433-3912.