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An exhibit that depicts the lives of Calvert County’s African-American community is now on display at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center in Dowell. The black and white photographs were shot by William A. Poe, a home improvement contractor by trade who has gained plaudits as a poet, playwright, essayist, filmmaker and documentary photographer.

A celebration of the opening of the exhibit, entitled “My African-American Community – a Collection of Photographs and Stories, 2000 - 2010,” was held Friday, April 20 in the Art Center’s mezzanine. Live music was performed by Pennsylvania-based saxophonist Renee Fabian throughout the three-hour event.

In 2000, Poe began recording oral history interviews with local residents, including tobacco farmers and share-croppers. His delving into the personal histories of those individuals led to a compilation entitled “African-Americans of Calvert County,” which was published in 2008.

Transcripts and recordings of Poe’s interviews are available for reading and listening while his photography remains on exhibit at the Art Center’s Mezzanine Gallery through July 29.

For more information visitwww.annmariegarden.org

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com