Glencoe Mansion, Museum and Gallery will conclude its summer gallery exhibit “Mountain Rail Tales,” featuring the photography of Dale R. Carlson of Bluemoonistic Images with a closing reception on Sunday, August 29, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
All across the Appalachian Mountains, culture has been influenced by railroads, which created new communities like Radford, allowed new industries to flourish, and provided convenient transportation for residents. When the railroads ceased all passenger service in this region in the 60s and 70s, many depots were abandoned and the rails were removed. Many of these localities then struggled to find a new identity.
Fast forward to today, and many of those same communities have implemented creative ways to reutilize their railroad heritage to benefit their local economies. “Mountain Rail Tales” explores these revitalized aspects of the region’s rail heritage through imagery, evoking its former and current power.
Photographer Dale R. Carlson grew up in the waning days of passenger rail service and retained a strong fondness for that mode of travel with its terminals, and its passenger cars and their rumble over the rails.
Originally from the Midwest, Carlson has practiced his passion for photography for over 40 years in both his professional and artistic careers.
When Carlson and his wife Becky moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains, his photography shifted to a focus on this region. His works have been featured in numerous publications, including Western North Carolina (WNC) and Blue Ridge Country magazines. The Carlsons founded their photography business, Bluemoonistic Images, in 2008 to offer his fine art photography online.
“Mountain Rail Tales” will conclude Aug. 29. Works are on view now through then. Everyone is welcome to visit the museum and attend the closing reception with no admission charge.
