Emma-Leigh Coffman of Temple is displaying three photographs in the multi-medium exhibit, which has a "peace for the holidays" theme. The show opened with an artist reception Friday at the CAC, along with two other exhibits in the Howard Gallery and South Foyer. The Holiday Invitational has different mediums by more than 38 local artists, including Helen Kwiatkowski and Hershall Seals, art professors at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.
Emma became interested in photography at age 6 and has been building her resume ever since.
"Holding the camera is a thrill," she said. "You have to have concentration, and it helps me with school."
The Lake Belton Middle School sixth-grader had a photo on the back cover of Farm and Ranch Magazine and a cover photo in the April 2009 edition of Ranch and Rural Magazine. This is her second time to display work at the CAC.
Her three photographs include a close-up shot, "Simple Beauty," where half of the frame is a girl's face and half is a lily. Another, called "Comforting Touch," depicts the Fort Hood statue of grieving soldiers dedicated to the Fourth Infantry Division and Fourth Calvary Division. Emma captured the moment when a young girl placed her hand on the shoulder of one of the statues. "He Has Risen" shows three crosses out of focus in the background with a lily in focus in the foreground.
CAC visual arts director Marilyn Ritchie said Emma's youth actually gives her an advantage.
"She has a fresh eye because she's young," Ms. Ritchie said. "I think you're born with it. She definitely has a photographer's eye - an artistic eye."
Emma's mom, Elizabeth, is a mobilized lieutenant colonel reservist in the Army. While she spends five days a week in San Antonio, photography has brought the mother and daughter closer together. Mrs. Coffman helps with submissions into contests and exhibits and helps teach her daughter new techniques.
"I'd much rather see her outside taking pictures or with a book than sitting in front of the TV," Mrs. Coffman said.
Emma also participates in tai kwon do at the black belt level, plays soccer, basketball and the French horn. She pursues photography through 4-H, which holds regular competitions in categories like still life, landscape, floral and animals - her favorite.
"You capture a moment in time, and you'll never get that moment back," Mrs. Coffman said.
Emma had 72 photos on display at the Mayborn Planetarium, several at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center for different exhibits and three pieces at the State Fair of Texas for three consecutive years. To see more of Emma's work, go to www.redbubble.com/
people/emmaleigh.
Other CAC exhibits
The Porcelain Art Guild will have its annual exhibit in the South Foyer, featuring intricately painted porcelain wall art, serving dishes and other practical pieces.
Nancy McGowan and Deborah Martin will display their "Birds and Botanicals" paintings and drawings. Ms. McGowan's watercolors depict tropical and rural birds from Texas and Mexico. She has provided illustrations for Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. Ms. Martin has won several juried art awards for her paintings.
All of the exhibits are on display through Dec. 18. For information, call 773-992.
