Local Photographers' Work Featured in Freedom Museum Exhibit‏‏

Two local photographers have been selected to showcase their photography for a permanent exhibit at the Freedom Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, in Manassas, Va.

High Point, NC (I-Newswire) March 15, 2013 - Local photographers Cheryl D. Dobbins and Eric Hege will showcase their photography in a permanent exhibit at the Freedom Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, in Manassas, Va. Both photographers are from Thomasville, N.C.

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, Dobbins and Hege presented a total of six works of art to the Freedom Museum including images of two World War II Prisoners of War, Emanuele "Manny" Fontana and Merle Hancock; as well as images of military aircraft and military equipment. The photography honors the Americans who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our country’s freedom. The exhibit also pays tribute to those who served our country with honor and distinction and it provides the public with the opportunity to appreciate the history and heritage of the United States military.

“We are excited to feature this memorable photography showcasing two distinguished World War II Prisoners of War, Emanuele "Manny" Fontana who was a cherished volunteer here at the museum before his recent passing, and Merle Hancock, another respected veteran and museum volunteer,” said Bob Finch, member of the Freedom Museum’s Board of Directors.

In November 2012, Dobbins shared that she had the distinct honor of meeting both Fontana and Hancock at the Manassas Veterans Day Parade in historic downtown Manassas, Va. The two men were representing the Freedom Museum and escorting a cockpit section of a B-25J Mitchell bomber aircraft that was on exhibit at the Freedom Museum.

“To capture the soul and history of these two veterans through intimate portraits was a true privilege,” says Dobbins. “Donating their portraits to the museum is my way of paying homage to those two men and all our veterans.”

Hege’s admiration for military personnel and aircraft led him to donate three works from his own private collection.

“Donating these three works is a tribute to all military personnel – past, present and future,” says Hege. “I am thrilled to share my work with the Freedom Museum.”

With 23 years of experience, Cheryl D. Dobbins specializes in creative and artistic photography in natural light. Her passion and philosophy is capturing a moment in time, an emotion, an expression; not just taking a picture. Dobbins is a member of Professional Photographers of America and Carolina’s Nature Photographers Association, and has been featured in several local and national publications. She is a native of Thomasville, N.C. She graduated from East Davidson High School in Thomasville and received a degree from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. For more information about Cheryl D. Dobbins, visit www.CherylDDobbinsPhotography.com.

Eric Hege has also been a photographer for 23 years. He concentrates on aviation, automotive and landscape photography. Since childhood, Hege has been fascinated with aircraft and automobiles. This led him to pursue the challenge of photographing aviation in motion and depicting automotive elements through his work. Hege's love of camping and the outdoors fueled his interest in photographing vibrant landscapes throughout the U.S. Hege is a native of Thomasville, N.C. He also graduated from East Davidson High School in Thomasville, and attended High Point University in High Point, N.C.

The Freedom Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, honors Americans who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of freedom. It also pays tribute to those who served our country with honor and distinction and provides a place for young citizens to learn their history and heritage. The Freedom Museum features 20th Century exhibits including static displays and commemorations of the National Guard 29th Division on D-Day, the fall of the Berlin Wall and Semper Fi month. The museum is proud to display visiting vintage aircraft and vehicles, while also offering guest speakers and unique demonstrations. The Freedom Museum is located in the terminal building at the Manassas Regional Airport, 10400 Terminal Road, Manassas, Va. For more information about the Freedom Museum, visit www.freedommuseum.org.