The annual "Bay" Hale Photography Exhibit is nearing the end of its six-month showing at the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture. Take the time to honor a staple in the Roanoke Valley African-American community before it closes in September.
The late Sonny "Bay" Hale was a well-known photographer in Roanoke for many years. His subject matter included school kids and groups like Links, a ladies community service organization. But Hale's most iconic photographs documented events in the black community.
The Harrison Museum is housed on the ground floor of one of Virginia's historic landmarks. The Harrison school was the first public high school built for African-American students in 1916. Not only does the history of the school make it a prime site for the museum, its location is also ideal.
"He lived right here on Harrison Avenue," said Museum Manager Wanda Alston. "People would sit for him there because his studio was in his home."
Sonny Hale retired in 1982. The museum exhibit features his work from the 1950s and 1960s. His photos are so distinct, that even his black and white photographs display a lighting that is distinctly Hale.
"His pictures have a certain glow and the ladies always look so nice," said Alston. "Those photographs hold a lot of memories for so many people in the area. They are hanging in a lot of homes in the community."
Bob Hale organizes the annual exhibit to celebrate his brother's work and honor other local photographers. If you are interested in having a Hale photograph in your own home, checkout the book "Roanoke Valley's African American Heritage: A Pictorial History" in the museum's gift shop.
For more information, please visit www.VisitRoanokeVA.com.
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