City of Monroe by Jack MartinThe most visually compelling image in the collection with its careful composition and excellent exposure. This civic symbol of the fire truck serves as a traditional icon for the town of Monroe.
Walton Mills Water Tower by Jack MartinThis image of the Monroe Mills water town makes a simple yet bold statement. It has a wonderful quality of light and makes an important historic statement about the role of the mill as the backbone of the community’s economy. Clearly this icon was intended to be seen for miles.
Old Cotton Mill Stack by Jeff LisleAnother iconic monument and an important symbol of the manufacturing era. Here we are positioned within a space, looking out – giving us the ability to look back and remain in the present.
At Home in Monroe - Farmer House by Mary Ann LisleThis image of home communicates pride in heritage. The image is well composed and exposed in early evening light. I presume that this was a farmhouse in the community and that the house has seen many updates and additions by its owners. The image demonstrates that things of our past, such as this family home, are valuable and worthy of restoration to keep up with our contemporary lives.
Grace - First United Methodist Church by Mary Ann LisleThis image demonstrates a powerful, spiritual presence – one that is familiar to so many small southern towns. We feel serenity and strength at the same time. Here we see the natural protection and strength of the old oak tree giving us shade as it frames the classical church building. The church represents another spiritual presence and sense of protection and refuge.
Through Glass by Morgan CorbittIn this image, we see no people, but the presence of many is implied. It shows a symbolic presence of people who have gathered in this space where communication and congregation has occurred for a long time.
Downtown At Night by Paul MullinsThis image conveys loneliness on this dark street downtown, especially in the rain. It’s strong visually and implies that Monroe is a living community of people that typically go home at night. Nightlife is not a high priority for this town. People come in to do their business and gather during the day, but at night, they go home to be with their families.
Boundaries by Stephanie RobertsIn this image we change the scale dramatically. It’s an intimate statement and shows tremendous controlled use of optics and selective focus. Monroe is a community built on its heritage in the farming industry with its livestock and pastures. We don’t see the pasture here, but we know it's there.
Swing! By Stephanie RobertsThis image represents the value of our children. It conveys a sense of motion and it makes a simple statement about the joy of childhood. Seeing our children at play reminds us of our freedom.
LocalMotion by Phil LanierHere we connect with the community through music on our own grounds. This represents weekend pride and public entertainment. Music is an important part of community. The image shows a nice triangular composition.
Tams2Nite by Phil LanierIn this image, we are part of a community performance and we’ve been placed right in the midst of the action. The dramatic lighting and motion captured place us in the scene. I see evidence of a spirit and civic pride captured here.
Cemetery by Ty BentonHere we celebrate the lives of our founders – lives of community members from previous generations. It’s a patriotic moment and a symbol of peace and strength. These are people who have lived under the flag and now rest at peace under the flag. The image demonstrates the values of the present by looking back to our past.
