“My name is Rod Rolle, and my grandparents, Joel and Bianca Richardson, were from Anguilla and they decided to move to the New York area to raise a family.”
That was the opening sentence of a letter received by The Anguillian newspaper from the Anguillian descendant. He continued: “My grandfather passed away in New York City and my grandmother returned to Anguilla to live out her day. As a tribute to them, I would like to share an acknowledgement I am about to receive.”
Mr. Rolle sent the following release from Santa Barbara, California, to The Anguillian newspaper:
“The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that Rod Rolle’s documentary photography project about the city of Guadalupe, California, “Spirit of a Community”, is travelling from the Betteravia Gallery in Santa Maria to the County Engineering Building Garden Atrium located at 123 E. Anapamu Santa Barbara, CA. 93101. An opening reception with the artist will take place onsite from 5 pm to 7 pm, Friday, October 15. Face coverings are required indoors in Santa Barbara County regardless of vaccination status.
“Rolle created the works during his tenure as the documentary photographer for artist Judy Baca’s Guadalupe Mural Project. Rolle and Baca were commissioned by the Santa Barbara Arts Commission in 1988 to develop the expansive project, during which time Rolle made frequent trips to chronicle the mural and community. “The Big Picture”, a town portrait Rolle created as part of the project, was ultimately displayed at the Smithsonian Museum: Experimental Gallery.
“About his experience, Rolle noted: “Guadalupe is an undiscovered gem in Santa Barbara County.”
“Karen Evangelista, Executive Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Exhibition, shared: “I am thrilled to see that Rod is being acknowledged and an opportunity to share his interpretation of the history and events that have evolved in this region of our country.”
Editor’s note: Bianca Richardson, Rod Rolle’s grandmother, was a well-known resident at South Hill. The house in which she lived, and entertained many friends and acquaintances, is located just west of Romcan Supermarket.
