Hidden Greenville: A 2D Experience with Deep Perspectives | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Greenville has long been represented as the epicenter for Pitt County. Surrounded by a handful of rural communities, the town draws various locals to its attractions. It may be difficult to get the fullest Greenville experience if you are not from here. Yet, there is something to say about this place, whether it's the university, it's inner-city attractions such as the mall or shopping centers, or perhaps it's downtown, Greenville has attracted many people, not only locally but internationally as well.
Local photographers submitted pieces which were taken around various locations in Greenville: Above. Photography participant, Ana Maria-Hernandez-Barrios steps in for a closer look at her peers' work: Below.     Photos by Simeon Asher.    Click images to expand.
    One of Greenville's primary culinary attractions is Starlight Cafe. Starlight Cafe, locally owned and located in the Uptown District, created an exhibition to feature localized artists to showcase their photography skills in its first and soon to be annual display. The theme of this year's exhibition was titled Hidden Greenville. It provided a platform for fine art photographers to search for interpretive means of seeking ways to show Greenville like it has never been seen before. The exhibit included various talents from professional and amateur hobbyists. Each individual artist made their best attempt at placing a new perspective of Greenville upon the Starlight Cafe walls.
Many of the pieces received honorable mentions, showcasing different perspectives in which Greenville has never been seen before: Above. A closeup of "Kitchen Magnolia" by The Daily Reflector photographer, Aileen Devlin placed 3rd in the show: Below.     Photos by Simeon Asher.    Click images to expand.
    Alan Boutilier, owner of Starlight Cafe was intent on giving the best of the best in terms of delivering an outstanding display. With the help of Henry Stindt, local photographer and former East Carolina University professor as judge, the two determined the best for the show. Joe Pellegrino, a photographer for the Scene Around division of the Daily Reflector placed first with his piece, "True Colors". Second in line was Sim Asher, a Greenville native and photography alum, with "Seek Solitude and Reflect", while Aileen Devlin, also an ECU photo alum and lead photographer for the Daily Reflector took third with "Kitchen Magnolia". Asher and Devlin also received honorable mentions as well for two additional entries. Pellegrino received $100 and dinner for two at Starlight Cafe for his best in show prize.
Many of the photographers are alumni from East Carolina University's School of Art and Design and used the opportunity to support one another and be judged by a former photography professor, Henry James Stindt: Above. Metal-smiths Lisette Fee and Colby Byrd sit front row and center while showing support to their fellow artists while enjoying conversation amidst Starlight Cafe's delicacies and inviting atmosphere: Below.     Photos by Simeon Asher.    Click images to expand.
    The opening reception was held Tuesday October 8th with the show hanging until November 15th. The atmosphere was filled with supporters along with onlookers from usual and frequent customers. Artists, not in the photography medium arrived to give praise and applause for the first reception. Toby Boutilier, head executive chef at the Starlight Cafe provided amazing appetizers along with wine and nonalcoholic beverages. Starlight Cafe continues to be a proud associate of the Uptown Greenville District and along with its impressive reproitoire of events, future plans are made to have a bigger and better event next year. Attendees need not worry, the event is free to enter along with the complimentary food and beverages. It is also strongly encouraged to have a seat at the upper-level bar to enjoy a fresh cocktail or enjoy a fine entree with one of Starlight's seasonal menu items. Free art, culture, food and drinks, what can be better?