The Wetlands exhibit at Murfreesboro’s City Hall includes photos by Bob Timmerman (left) and Harry Polny.
By Terry Spence
“Rivers, streams and wetlands are vital to the ecological balance in Murfreesboro. As we’ve become more and more urban, it is more important than ever that we love and protect them,” said Angela Jackson, Assistant Director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, commenting on the City Hall Art Committee’s exhibit Wetlands: Pictorial Interpretations of a Murfreesboro Treasure. Featuring the art photography of local favorites Harry Polny, Terry Spence, Bob Timmerman and Dan Whittle, the exhibit, which kicked off on June 25 in the Rotunda Gallery of Murfreesboro’s City Hall, is scheduled through Aug. 9, 2013. A public reception will be held on Thursday, July 11, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
“While not only showcasing the work of four amazing photographers,” continued Jackson, “this exhibit also conveys the many opportunities that exist for families to connect with Murfreesboro’s Wetlands: to discover that nature abounds at Murfree Spring Wetland, Maney Wetland at Oakland Park, the Murfreesboro Greenway System, and other parks and natural areas in our community. This exhibit offers a perspective through the eyes and lenses of local photographers, and should encourage you to get outside and take a closer look for yourself.”
Harry Polny began his career in photography as a combat photographer with the United States Navy. Following his discharge from the service he pursued careers in law enforcement and teaching. It was not until retirement and a move to Murfreesboro that Polny rediscovered the “touch” that had remained with him when he began to take photos again. He says, “I enjoy shooting landscapes in and around Murfreesboro. I can drive a few miles from my house and find dozens of old barns and spend hours just watching and photographing the woods as the light moves.” Polny says the Wetlands are an equally enjoyable adventure.
By Dan Whittle
Terry Spence, an officer with the Murfreesboro Police Department, credits Major Clyde Adkinson for mentoring him during his initial interest in photography. Adkinson, says Spence, offered insights about composition and lighting and the always-important need to pay close attention to detail. Armed with only a digital camera in 2003, Spence and his wife began to take trips as part of her efforts to beat breast cancer. By 2008, a solo exhibit of his work that featured firefighters, paramedics, landscapes, children and senior citizens in addition to Murfreesboro, Nashville, New York City and Chicago cityscapes attracted such a turnout that it remains one of the Rotunda’s most highly attended events.
Bob Timmerman spent 35 years in LaVergne building radial truck tires for Bridgestone. Following his retirement he started an event photography business in Murfreesboro that specializes in youth athletics and local events. While professing a great love for his work with local athletes and their sporting events, he admits that he is happiest “when in the woods with my cameras.”
Dan Whittle spent several years in the newspaper business where his articles and opinion columns earned him a great deal of respect and trust from a wide following of supporters. In 2006, however, he was forced to retire due to a major heart-health issue. Through the encouragement of his wife, Pat, and Dr. Chris Thompson, it was not long before he found a new passion: nature photography. Starting with his Smyrna backyard, Whittle says he found that “Communing with nature can be soothing to the psyche, healing to the inner soul, and yes, a special spiritual experience . . . Outdoor nature photography beats the heck out of sitting behind a dusty desk day-after-day.”
