Dr. Jimmie Monroe, photographer
In keeping with its mission to support established and emerging artists in the Midlands, each month GROW features a visual artist on its gallery wall.
Our May artist is Columbia photographer Dr. Jimmie Monroe, who is retired from Benedict College where he taught various subjects, including photography. He specializes in capturing moments on the streets and printing the images primarily in black and white.
He said, “I am enjoying the winter of life. Still working and loving it.” He once worked at Victory Savings Bank in Columbia, started in 1921 by Modjeska Monteith Simkins’ family. Victory (now Optus) was one of the few Black banks in the country to make it through the Depression. Fun fact: Dr. Monroe is related to Ms. Simkins through his marriage to her niece.
His work will be on display at GROW — 1340 Elmwood Ave. in Columbia — through the first week in June. If you are interested in purchasing a piece, you may reach Dr. Monroe at drjfmonroe@hotmail.com. You can also find and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.