July 02, 2008

Dunn-Richmond center to host photo exhibit

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois and parts of the world beyond come to life through the lens of Cleta Jo Shirley in a photographic exhibit at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center July 8 through Aug. 20.

Shirley, a native of Hurst now residing in Carterville, is a self-taught photographer. She got her first camera at the age of four and has been snapping shots ever since. Employed as an accountant, she takes photos primarily as a hobby. Most are color although some black and white images are interspersed in her collection. Using 35 mm film or a digital camera, Shirley loves to capture the world around her, primarily the Southern Illinois region.

“Landscapes are my first love,” she said. She is also passionate about still photography but recently has branched out with casual portraits and event photography, too.

The exhibit at Dunn-Richmond’s atrium features 25 of Shirley’s photographs. Visitors can stop by any time the economic development center is open, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays, to view the display. A public reception is set for 5-7 p.m. July 24 at the center, located at 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road in Carbondale.

Shirley’s photo exhibit is part of the ongoing series of displays featuring the handiwork of the region’s artisans in the center’s atrium.