The Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 will host a photography exhibition by John Rolland entitled, “South of the Sahara: Portrait of Africa” beginning Wednesday, July 4, through Saturday, July 28. "South of the Sahara: Portrait of Africa” celebrates life in Sub-Saharan Africa and explores the uncommon richness of this vibrant land. The gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and the artist's reception will take place on Friday evening, July 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with Art After Dark. On Saturday, July 7 from noon to 2 p.m., Rolland will give a presentation about his time in Africa and aboard the surgical hospital ship "M/V Africa Mercy" during the Association's “Saturday Stroll,” a new add-on to Art After Dark.

Rolland is a professional photographer who has been passionate about photography for more than 25 years. His first published photograph appeared in "Blue Ridge Country" magazine in 1993. His first book, "Pordenone e la sue Provincia," or "Pordenone and Province," was published by Vianello Libri in Treviso, Italy, in 2003. He graduated with an Associate of Science degree in commercial photography from Randolph Community College in Asheboro, North Carolina in 2005. From 2005 to 2008, he photographed for several North Carolina-based magazines and did annual report photography for non-profit organizations. From 2008 to 2011, he worked in West Africa as a photographer for Mercy Ships, an international charity, aboard the surgical hospital ship "M/V Africa Mercy." John now lives in Waynesville with his wife, Jenny, and their three children.

For more information, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at www.haywoodarts.org.