Happy Valley, NC – The Happy Valley Filling Station is pleased to announce a new show of work by photographer Tom Bell of Hickory on exhibit now in conjunction with the Third Anniversary Celebration of the Filling Station.
Tom’s interest in photography began early with a fascination of photojournalism as seen in LIFE and LOOK magazines during the 1960s. Initially his first attempts in photography were with a Kodak Instamatic camera. In 1971 a friend loaned him a 35mm camera and Tom’s interest broadened. As he entered college his interest grew and he joined the Appalachian State University student newspaper to record scenes on campus and around Boone. This newspaper provided an opportunity for gaining experience and understanding the craft of photography. Taking the next year off college, Tom ventured to Boston and began an earnest pursuit of photography, leading to additional education and achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Ohio University in 1978.
Back home in Hickory, the search for employment led him to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at UNC – Chapel Hill in 1983. He worked as Registered Nurse with lung and heart patients at Frye Hospital in Hickory from 1983 through 2018. Tom travels with his wife Mary Patton, and is thankful for his continued enjoyment of the photographic journey that began 55 years ago. He credits his many supporters over the years – primarily his parents, siblings, wife and friends. Specifically, he would like to credit the professional services of his digital ink jet printer Brady Lambert in Pittsboro, NC and Melissa Gibson in Hickory for matting and framing the work in preparation of the exhibit.
Tom’s photographs are available for sale, and will remain on exhibit at the Happy Valley Filling Station through June, 2025.
The Filling Station is open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays – Sundays from 11 to 9.
Photo: Cactus by Tom Bell.
