DBBC Creative Director Walmer Medina has found a way to combine his love of photography, the growing popularity of his behind-the-scenes pix at the Durham Bulls and support of arts in schools. The Durham Bulls are once again joining forces with clothing company and designers RUNAWAY for a special exhibition and auction to benefit Creative Arts in Public & Private Schools (CAPS).
During the week of October 11 – 15, photographs Medina took during the Bulls’ 2016 season will be on display in the RUNAWAY Gallery in downtown Durham. Then on Saturday, October 15th from 6-8pm, a silent auction of prints of Medina’s photos will take place. A pair of custom Jordan 1s (size 11.5), designed by Steve Bullock, will also be part of the auction. Players and Wool E. Bull will attend the evening event, greeting fans and signing autographs.
The idea began as a conversation between Medina and his friend and RUNAWAY Founder/Creative Director Gabriel Eng-Goetz at a Bulls game in late August. Medina’s photo blog, http://viewsfromthebull.com, has been gaining in popularity in the community.
“Season ticket holders and fans began spotting me during games asking where they can get copies of my photography,” explained Medina. “I don’t consider myself a photographer, more of a hobbyist, so I didn’t want to sell my photos for profit. That’s when the idea really came to life, as Gabe and I spoke about the possibility of collaborating on a photo show for my pictures. I mentioned selling prints and it going to a good cause.”
The idea hung in the air until after the season ended. Eng-Goetz and Medina then met and decided to make it a reality.
“With both our passions in the arts it was fitting we’d designate all the proceeds to an organization that provided opportunities for our local youth, CAPS,” said Medina.
CAPS works to “provide creative and interactive residencies that teach core subjects (math, science, writing, social studies), character education and a variety of life skills through the arts.” Durham Arts Council and Durham Public Schools partner for this decades-old program to place professional artists in both public and private classrooms in Durham, Granville and Orange counties.
The Durham Bulls + RUNAWAY Exhibition and Charity Auction will include 15-20 selected images Medina took during the 2016 that he says, “really capture moments and perspectives a typical fan can’t see from their seat.”
“I really want my show to represent not only the beauty and nostalgia baseball still holds, but that special magic only the DBAP can provide,” he said. “It’s a special place to me and this show will be a cool way for me to share my views with everyone.”
Learn More:
