Young local artist, Christine Hale, has been traveling the world in search of art; “moments in time” to capture on film. On her three-year journey, Hale has visited and/or lived in Japan, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Russia. In an effort to share her experiences and memories with the public, she recently opened an art exhibit showcasing her photography at Dioko Coffee Co. on Main Street in Joplin.

“Every photo here is an image or memory captured,” Hale, junior general studies major, said. “I chose to keep these photographs small so that the viewer must take an extra step forward to look into the picture. I use a basic 35mm hand wound camera and a disposable black and white camera because I want to capture the moment in it’s purest essence, without the aid of filters or special features.”

In the exhibit are pictures from Mt. Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture – Kyushu Japan; Underground Catacombs – Paris, France; Kalmar Castle – Kalmar Sweden; a Gay Pride Parade – Oslo, Norway and many other interesting and thought provoking locations. At the exhibit, the viewer can use an accompanying flyer that has anecdotes describing every picture, where it was taken, what is going on in and around the scene and Hale’s personal commentary on why the moment was so meaningful.

At the exhibit, many young people from Joplin’s artistic and musical scene showed up to give their support.

“The show turned out really well,” said Jonathan Russell, freshman English major. “I know Christine personally, and I know how much effort she puts into it. Her photography is very profound.”

Hale’s passion for art is not limited to photography. She plans on having a different exhibit each month showcasing various mediums of artistic expression. Hale would like to bring area artists and musicians together to collaborate on their work.

“I am having a series of shows for my own self-discipline, but also to bring parts of the community together,” Hale said. “Every month or so I will showcase a different media of art. This is a process of self-exploration but also self-indulgence.

“I also want to get a group of young artists, musicians, performers, etc. together to work on our art. I would like to have group shows and group performances. There really isn’t anything here in this area for people like me to develop, and I want to open some doors and start some movement.”

The current exhibit, titled: “Show Number: ONE,” opened on Oct. 11 and will be on display for a few weeks. Viewers can bid on pieces in a silent auction and will be contacted if they have won.

Hale expressed distaste for putting a price on her art, but also humbly put herself under the category of “starving artist.” The next exhibit will be paintings, primarily oils. After that will be one called “100 Faces,” which will be comprised of 100 little watercolor faces that are, as Hale puts it, “just creepy.”

For information on the current exhibit, or to find out the dates for future ones, contact Dioko at 623-4455.