The Northeast Texas Community College Art Department is hosting an exhibit of photography by Rodney Huffman. The photos will be on display in the Whatley Center Foyer gallery through October 23.
A reception with artist is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 12:30-1:00 p.m. in the Whatley Foyer. Refreshments will be served. For more information about the exhibit, please Contact Debbie Strong at dstrong@ntcc.edu or 903-434-8172.
Huffman is a local retired educator who found his passion through photographing birds in the wild. He always enjoyed art, but never felt confident in his work. As an adult, he gave up on art and put his time and effort into his family and career. Huffman developed an interest in birding while living in West Texas. After retiring in 2013, his daughter suggested he attend a local photography club.
“The club members treated me with kindness and ‘open arms’ and helped me understand the camera and techniques that improved my photography. Also, observing their cameras and lenses, I set goals to improve my equipment. They were a big help to me,” Huffman said.
He attended several birding conventions and began to increase his knowledge of both birds and photography. While he considers himself more of a bird photographer than a birder, he “enjoys the fun and excitement when a new or unique bird is sighted.”
“It’s a constant learning experience,” Huffman said. “I now spend most of my free time looking for new opportunities to observe and capture nature’s most beautiful creations. My goal now in my life is making pretty photos. I believe that I have finally found my area of art expression.”
The exhibit is free to the public and is generally open for viewing Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9-12. Please call ahead at 903-434-8181 to ensure that the gallery is open.
“I am always happy to introduce artists to those who come to the Whatley Center of Performing Art, and it makes me extremely happy when the artist is a local community member,” Debbie Strong, NTCC Associate Professor of Art and Division Chair for Creative and Performing Arts, said. “Mr. Huffman is a highly competent bird photographer, and his photography is just as beautiful as John Audubon's watercolor illustrations of birds. The art department is pleased to have his photography on display during the month of October.
