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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula February 24, 2005 Text © 2005 Jenny Drewyor for Keweenaw Now. Photos © 2005 Michele Anderson.

Rod Carter Photography Exhibit in Houghton for Black History Month

By Jenny Drewyor

HOUGHTON--Rod Carter's photography exhibit has been on display at Victoria's Kitchen in Houghton through February in correlation with Black History Month. 

Carter, who lives in Detroit, has been a photographer for over 30 years. 

" I think he enjoys being up here," said Vicki Williams, owner of Victoria's Kitchen, "The work has been well received around here."

The photograph titled "My Land," exhibited toward the front of the restaurant, was selected for an award by the Art League of Michigan in April 2000.

"My Land," by Rod Carter, received an award from the Art League of Michigan in April 2000. The original photo is on exhibit through February at Victoria's Kitchen, 518 Shelden Ave., in Houghton. (Photo by Michele Anderson)

Carter uses a technique that he calls "photoliterature" in his work, placing descriptive text next to the photos. This is featured in several of his displayed pieces, such as "The Tree," which speaks to perseverance, and "Colors," which has to do with sensing the season of Autumn.

After becoming interested in photography while serving in the armed services, Carter later took fine art photography classes at Wayne State University. He is now an Administrator for the Warren Fitzgerald Public School System After-School Program.

Also part of the Rod Carter exhibit is the photo, "Free Man's House." Next to the original photo is a caption that reads, in part, "When the slaves of Barbados were set free, they built houses ... according to what  ... the scriptures said ..." (Photo by Michele Anderson)

His work has been featured in galleries, museums and numerous fine art festivals. He is currently exhibiting at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

The exhibit, on display through Monday, Feb. 28, is sponsored by Michigan Tech's Office of Educational Opportunity.

Victoria's Kitchen is at 518 Shelden Avenue in Houghton. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday (this Saturday only -- other Saturdays open until 5 p.m.); and 9 a.m. to Noon Sunday.

Editor's Notes: Guest author Jenny Drewyor is a resident of Houghton and a student in Humanities at Michigan Technological University. 

See also our article on other events for Black History Month at Michigan Tech this week. Please note also that events scheduled for Feb. 24 and 25 have been postponed.

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