Road trip!

Vent Haven Director Annie Roberts and I went on a wonderful Vent Haven adventure this past weekend. Famed artist, photographer, and director Matthew Rolston invited us to attend his "Talking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits" gallery show at the Greenville County Museum of Art in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to the show, we attended a gallery talk and reception with Matthew and the incredible staff of the museum.

If you are relatively new to the vent community, you may be unfamiliar with Matthew's 2012 photography of many of the dummies in the Vent Haven collection. His book, "Talking Heads: The Vent Haven Portraits" is stunning. At convention 2013, Matthew gave a lecture on the production of the book and graciously autographed dozens of copies for the conventioneers.

Matthew Rolston with Jen Dawson

Matthew Rolston with Lisa Sweasy

Matthew Rolston signing

The prints in the book are already incredible; to see the images as 5 foot by 5 foot photographs is breathtaking. The photo gallery below simply does not do the exhibit justice. Matthew's images provide detail beyond any expectation; they provide the viewer with an entirely new appreciation of the craftsmanship of the dummies, as well as showing the detail of the history of use, from damage and repair to refurbishment or renovation. It's absolutely incredible to see these faces like this.

Exhibit signage

Matthew talks with Lisa

Tango Teddy

Two of the images

Matthew in the gallery

Matthew speaks about the project

Visitors listening to Matthew

Annie and Lisa with Skinny Hamilton

Welcoming sign at GCMA

Annie and I left the show with a new appreciation of the Vent Haven collection. Our sincere thanks to everyone at the Greenville County Museum of Art for hosting such a wonderful event. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Matthew...for his work, his kindness, and his generosity.