THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Centre is playing host this month to the works of freelance photographer Ray Tinsley.

The centre has named Tinsley artist of the month and his framed photographs will be on display and on sale to the public.

Tinsley, a member of the Selma Art Guild, has resided in Selma for the past 31 years, but grew up as a Navy brat. He was born in Japan and has had several addresses before moving to Selma with his family in 1974.

Ray’s father, Howard Tinsley, sparked his son’s interest in photography when he worked for the Selma Times-Journal.

After discovering his passion for photography, Tinsley attended the Southeast Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Ga., where he concentrated his studies in photojournalism. During his stint in Atlanta, Tinsley had to complete a final photography project and decided to shoot a photo gallery on a Battle of Selma reenactment.

Tinsley’s Battle of Selma collection is on display at the centre, as well as several other Tinsley works.

Historic American sites have been a major theme of Tinsley’s photos. He loves to shoot architecture and scenes of nature.

He has photographed American landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Alamo and Mt. Rushmore. For the past three years, Tinsley has traveled to Alaska to shoot nature scenes.

He has also photographed sites in Selma, including the Old Depot Museum and Live Oak Cemetery. He has also submitted his work to Southern Hub, Selma’s first Internet coffeehouse and a venue for local artists.

Tinsley said he is honored to share his photographs with the community and hopes people will be inspired to travel to these American landmarks.

&8220;I showed some of these photographs to my co-workers and it inspired some of them to go to these locations,&8221; he said.

Jackie King, events coordinator at the Performing Arts Centre, said people chosen for artist of the month are not limited to Selmians. Artists have come to Selma from Prattville and Tuscaloosa to display their artwork.

&8220;People come from all over to hang their artwork here,&8221; she said. &8220;(The displays) are here for people to come in and learn about art. It’s very enjoyable.&8221;