Plates to Pixels is an exhibit of select photographs taken from Spartanburg native Ben Nixon’s own extensive collection.

It is a unique perspective on the history of photography, dating from the 1860s, when photos were painstakingly made with glass plates coated in various chemical concoctions, to today, when most photos are digitally taken with smart phones. The 60-plus photos, most of which were taken by noted professional photographers, will be exhibited in Spartanburg Art Museum at Chapman Cultural Center, July 10 through August 31. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. There is no admission fee.

Among the photographers who have work in this exhibit are Brit Samuel Bourne, Frenchmen Jacques Henri Lartique and Elliot Erwitt and Americans Edward Curtis, Jerry Uelsmann and Ansel Adams. Nixon, a fine art photographer who is currently relocating from San Francisco to Asheville, started collecting in 2003. The exhibit spans the early history of photography from the 1860s to the present day. It includes examples of most printing processes used throughout the medium: tintype, albumen, photogravure, platinum, silver gelatin, c-print and pigment.

During the course of the exhibit, several special events are planned. On Thursday, Jualy 18 (ArtWalk), there will be a public reception, 5-9 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Nixon will give a brief lecture to give attendees special insight into the exhibit.

On Sunday, Aug. 4, 2-4:30 p.m. Nixon will host an “Urban Photography Workshop.” Participants will walk through downtown Spartanburg, taking photographs at Nixon’s direction.

On Thursday, Aug. 15 (ArtWalk), there will be second public reception with Nixon lecturing at 6:30 p.m.

And on Friday, Aug. 16, a Lunch & Learn lecture will be presented, starting at noon.

For more information about this exhibit and the related activities, call 542-ARTS.

– article submitted by Steve Wong