Local artist Creed Piel is set to unveil his new studio on July 4, featuring a unique collection of high-angle photographs of well-known Kinston locations. The event, which Piel describes as a “pig picking type 4th of July event,” will be held at 112 W Gordon St, the former site of the H Stadium children’s department.

Piel’s latest collection, titled “Looking Up at Kinston,” aims to present familiar places from a fresh perspective. “I took high-angle shots of well-known places. It just seemed a different angle to show the beauty that we kind of pass by,” said Piel.

The event will also introduce attendees to Piel’s innovative work in electromagnetic photography. When asked to explain this technique, Piel said, “Everything has a certain electromagnetic signature, a positive and a negative polarity. I found a way to take photographs of empty space, capturing the actual time of the photograph. All my photographs are 3D representations of time and space.”

In addition to showcasing his photography, Piel plans to use the new studio as a space for community engagement. Future events will include tie-dye classes, small music venues, and poetry readings. “It’s going to be like a workspace where I’ll do all my tie-dye and paintings, and have a space to frame and canvas all my photography,” Piel explained.

The grand opening event will start at 3:00 PM on July 4. Piel's studio will be open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, though he noted he might be available outside these hours when working in the studio. The opening will feature food, drinks sponsored by Kaya, and goodie bags from Bloomlite for the first 15 attendees.

Reflecting on his journey and inspiration, Piel shared, “I always used art as therapy but never really shared it as an expression of self. It’s taken me a long time to see my art as not just a competition but a process of progress.”

Piel’s background in meditation has significantly influenced his artistic approach. He explained, “I felt there was something going on between people, that it wasn’t just empty space. Being able to capture that through photography has been a profound experience.”

As Piel prepares for the grand opening, he hopes his work will resonate with the community and inspire others. “I want to create a space where people know there’s an opportunity to express themselves through art and connect with the community,” he said.

The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Piel and the local art scene.