“One” A Photography Show to Benefit Vanishing Hemlock Trees

Unique Exhibit Aimed at Raising Awareness of Southern Forest Devastation

Charlotte, NC – A natural treasure is being lost across the Southeast; the ancient eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees. These stunning trees are dying at an alarming rate due to an insect infestation which is causing a dramatic and devastating impact on the southern Appalachian eco-systems, especially in Smoky Mountains National Park.

To raise awareness of this disturbing loss to our forests, ten of the most accomplished photographers in the Charlotte area are contributing a single image of these beautiful trees to be presented in a unique exhibit titled “One”, The Beauty and Devastation of the Hemlock Trees. “We have only one chance to save these breathtaking trees,” says the exhibit’s creator and highly respected photographer, Diane Hughes. “Some of these trees are 400 years old; they are one of a kind in their beauty and splendor. I hope this show will generate more knowledge of this growing tragedy along with funds to help save these glorious natural treasurers.”

Money raised from sales of the “One”  will help fund a documentary film currently being produced by Charlotte based filmmaker, David Huff, entitled ‘The Vanishing Hemlock – A Race Against Time’. Huff, founder of ‘Back 40 Films, says the purpose of the documentary is to raise awareness, get people involved in the health and well-being of their public lands and encourage agencies and individuals to act in the southeastern united states to save the old growth that is remaining. All profits from DVD sales will be donated to groups working to treat the remaining hemlocks.

Hughes says she, along with fellow photographer Deborah Triplett, launched this collaborative photographic effort to document and showcase the magnificence of the Hemlock trees and to spotlight the urgency of the situation. The show’s title, “One”, represents the fact that only one print of each photograph will be produced and sold and each photographer will then retire that image. “This is a very rare act for photographers,” says Hughes. The contributing photographers for “One” are Diane Hughes, Deborah Triplett, Raymond Grubb, JoAnn Sieburg Baker, Cordellia Williams, Mike Carrol, Christa Cammorato, Nancy Pierce, Mark Hamilton and Kelly Culpepper. Contributing painters include Keith Keim and Matt Zales.

”One” will open at the Siskate Gallery in Charlotte on Arbor Day, April 25, 2008, from 6:00pm until 11:00pm.

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Details:

What: Fundraising Photography Show:  

“One”, The Beauty and Devastation of the Hemlock Trees

Where: The Siskate Gallery

 1710 Camden Road

 Charlotte, NC 28203

                         ph.704.370-2826

When: April 25, 2008 (Arbor Day)

Time:   6:00pm to 11:00pm

More information:

www.thevanishinghemlock.com

www.lucyandcompany.com

www.dianehughesphotography.com

www.vanishinghemlocks.blogspot.com