THE THING ABOUT TRAINS is an exhibit of Railroad Photography by Rickie, Tracy, and Ty Smith of Leesville. Rick and Tracy Smith have both been photographers for over 40 years, and are all members of GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville. Rick worked as a reporter, photographer, and dark room technician for the Leesville Leader and Vernon Journal newspapers in the early and mid-80’s, and again for the Leesville Leader in 2015 and 2016. Rick and Tracy both were on their high school’s newspaper and yearbook staffs, providing photos and content.
Their photography work has led to many exhibits over the years, including but not limited to the Alexandria Museum of Art Competition Exhibit, the Pause Exhibit, the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, several GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN exhibits, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and more. Rick was part of the Four Artists from No Mans Land exhibit that premiered in Le Grau du Roi, France, then traveled to Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Leesville. For several years, both Rick and Tracy have been selected to be Official Backstage photographers for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Both have had work published in many magazines and books, and they are best known for chronicling the lives, people, and events in and around West Central Louisiana.
Their excitement for photography and art has encouraged their son Ty to use photography and videography to promote his interest in trains and the preservation of steam trains. Rick has a love for history and Tracy a love for restoration and transportation, so this made it a natural fit to share in their son Ty’s love for trains. T’s train photos have been in multiple exhibits, have been purchased by CPKC, and published in Trains magazine.
THE THING ABOUT TRAINS exhibit includes railroad related photos, videos, slideshows, and more from their travels in over 20 states. GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville is pleased to present this exhibit from May 23 – June 22, with an opening reception on May 18 at 6:00 p.m. This exhibit and the reception is sponsored by Barksdale Federal Credit Union of Leesville.