In recognition of National Arts and Humanities Month, Clayton Visual Arts features Al White as the first-place winner of its "Capturing Clayton 2024" photography contest. A single shot of T.R. Lee Oil and Gas, a Clayton landmark on West Main Street for over six decades, earned White the prestigious $700 prize, according to the Town of Clayton.
White, with over 40 years of photography experience, entered the contest by chance. An unplanned drive through Clayton's backroads, instead of his usual highway route, led him to a charming gas station. In a statement obtained by the Town of Clayton, White said, “It reminded me of the old-timey gas stations in New Orleans, with lots of brick and not too much chrome. The first time I passed it, I thought, ‘I’ll be back.’ When I heard about the Capturing Clayton contest, I knew it was meant to be.” His winning entry captures the old-world aesthetics that he is drawn to.
Raised in New Orleans, White's uncles instilled a love for photography in him as a young boy. After serving in the Navy, he followed his artistic passion, opening a photography studio in New Orleans before moving to North Carolina in 2005. Today, White is a recognized member of Clayton's art community and a card-carrying member of Clayton Visual Arts. “The first time I came to Clayton to see the public art, I thought, ‘Wow, they’ve really got something special here.’ Clayton has it together,’” White shared, as stated by the Town of Clayton.
Clayton's commitment to promoting a vibrant arts scene is reflected in initiatives like the Public Art Advisory Board, which oversees projects such as the Greenway Art, a Sculpture Trail, and several downtown murals. Clayton Visual Arts features a rotating public art display in the welcoming lobby of Town Hall. Exhibits alternate annually between photography and art contests, with the "Capturing Clayton" series showcasing the town's unique character in its 2024 display, as mentioned by the Town of Clayton.
Medrith Nuttle, Chair of Clayton Visual Arts's Exhibits, stated: "Our goal with these contests is to inspire artists to discover the beauty around them in Clayton, to share their work with the community, and possibly make a sale, all while enjoying the spirit of competition." Since its founding in 1999, Clayton Visual Arts has promoted visual arts through a variety of exhibitions, competitions, and educational events, all organized by a team of volunteers made up of artists, educators, and art enthusiasts, as per the Town of Clayton.
