For Immediate Release

Walking Through WNC: An Exhibit of Photographs by Vagabond Photo Walks Members 

Opening reception and show set featuring photography of western North Carolina towns

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A collection of black-and-white images documenting sights and personalities through western North Carolina will go on display starting August 22 when “Walking Through WNC: An Exhibit of Black-and-White Photographs by the Vagabond Photo Walks Group” opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at Texture Gallery & Art Bar, located at 1516 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. 

Photographs in the show are the results of Vagabond Photo Walks MeetUp members roaming together with their cameras through various parts of Asheville, as well as the towns of Black Mountain, Waynesville, Weaverville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Old Fort, Marshall and Hot Springs. The theme for this year’s show is “Black & White”.

The group is made up of beginning photographers, hobbyists, and professionals. Though this is the fourth year running for the group exhibition, for many of the artists, this is the first time they have exhibited their work. The group is part of MeetUp.com, a network of local groups aimed at revitalizing local communities and helping people around the world to self-organize. 

Professional photographer and instructor David Simchock started this creative community in 2014 and serves as its walk guide and mentor. 

“We get together because we love photography, and we are interested in documenting life in western North Carolina, making friends, improving our skills, and expanding creative comfort zones.,” Simchock said. Secondary to that, he believes the group’s work at continuously documenting everyday life in WNC creates a valuable record of how the area changes year over year, particularly in Asheville. “Adding all of our work together, the number of images runs in the thousands, as the group has been together for over five years, and over 100 events have taken place in that period.

Patrice Murillo, owner of Texture Gallery & Art Bar where the show is being held is very excited about the initiative, “Not only is Texture a wonderful space to display art, it is a studio where artists of all levels come to learn, play and create. Since we hosted the inaugural VPW show in 2016 at our previous location, it was a natural fit for us to host their 2019 show at our new location.”  

Opening reception attendees will see images of urban scenes depicting street festivals, breweries, musicians and markets. Photo styles range from minimalist interpretations to dynamic storytelling. About 45 photographs by 15 group members will be on display.

Many of the artists will be in attendance at the reception. Refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. The show will be up through October 22. In addition to the reception, the gallery is open from 10:30am to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday and Monday hours are by appointment by calling 828.484.1240.

All art is for sale, unless otherwise specified by the artist.

About Vagabond Photo Walks Group

Vagabond Photo Walks is a MeetUp.com group created by David Simchock. He started the group in early 2014 because he sensed that there were a lot of photography hobbyists in the area who wanted to get out shooting, but not necessarily do it alone. “The Asheville area is filled with transplants from other parts of the country, and a common reason that folks join MeetUp is that they want to meet some new friends,” he said. “The MeetUp is going strong after over five years in existence, with new members joining every week, and new events planned every month.”

Vagabond Photo Walks members may use any kind of camera they wish – from camera phones to pro-level DSLR cameras. All skill levels are welcome.

Currently, there are more than 700 members, though typical outings have about 10 to 20 participants. Walks take place two or three times each month with lesser frequency in winter months. New members are always welcome, and it’s free to join. Most photo walks are free, however, some specialty events may require a nominal fee. 

To sign up for the group, visit https://www.meetup.com/Vagabond-Photo-Walks/

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About David J. Simchock: A native of New Jersey now residing in Brevard, NC, David is a freelance photographer, artist and educator. His images have appeared in major publications around the world, and he has exhibited his work in galleries and venues from New York City to Asheville. David’s efforts have been awarded prestigious accolades, while his life story and career have been covered in several publications, on-line, and TV features. David is also an educator and speaker and is the Chief Creative Nomad of his full-service photography instruction company, Vagabond Vistas Photo Tours.  Vagabond Vistas is based in Asheville, but active globally. www.VagabondVistas.com 

His photography / art business can also be found on line at: http://www.DavidSimchock.com

About Patrice Kennedy Murillo and Texture Gallery & Art Bar:  Patrice took up photography in 1989 and has had an ever-growing love and passion that has grown into a successful business. Her company, Indulge Images, is most known for the various events it works on the road. She and her husband, Manuel Murillo, operate Texture Gallery & Art Bar, a venue that is not only an art gallery hosting local, regional and international artists, but is also a working studio where artists of all levels can learn, play and create. The gallery offers professional picture framing and printing, working with the highest quality of materials available on the market at an affordable price. Art Bar supplies a wide variety of art supplies to be used in-house and doubles as a dedicated classroom for top-notch instruction. Texture is also available for parties and events.