Arts center has two weeks of pinhole photography

A long black veil has been laid over a large box in the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Upper Gallery. Participants are encouraged to step behind the veil and look into the box with a small hole in one side. Through the pinhole you can see an upside down image.

Is it magic? Or is it camera obscura?

For the past 12 years, Black Mountain photographer Lynette Miller has been sharing her “in the box” obsession with camera obscura with the people of Western North Carolina by celebrating Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Each year the celebration grows in size and scope, and this year is no different.

This year, through April 29, the center’s Upper Gallery will display a collection of pinhole images taken by past WWPD participants. It will also show unique homemade pinhole cameras that Miller made, as well as an explanation of how photography was born in a box. The Upper Gallery, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, is free to the public.

On Friday, April 22 at noon, Miller will offer a free lunchtime presentation expanding on the origins of camera obscura, with a brief slide presentation and a demonstration on how to make a pinhole camera. Materials will be provided, or you can bring your own sealed container to transform into a camera. Everything from coffee cans to cigar boxes are suitable.

On Sunday April 24, join photography fans around the globe in celebration of Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day in this lively free event. Miller will have cameras available to borrow at the arts center from 1-4 p.m. and will be happy to provide instruction and guidance.

Your image will be uploaded along with those of participants from all over the world.

All elements of Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day are free, though donations are appreciated. For more on Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, visit ThroughThePinhole.weebly.com. For more on the celebration at the arts center, call 669-0930 or visit BlackMountainArts.org.