Photographer, engineer, clergy joins Valdese Arts Co-op

By: Staff reports | Morganton News Herald
Published: May 28, 2010

VALDESE --

Dan Looper, one of Valdese Heritage Arts Center's latest members, first developed an interest in photography in high school when a friend introduced him to the art in 1948.
"He gave me a lot of good advice and helped me set up my own dark room," Looper said of his friend.
The interest has never faded for Looper, even though photography has undergone many technological advances through the years. In fact, Looper has stayed on top of each new development.
Looper was taking pictures long before computers, cell phones and digital cameras. He used his side-bar skill during his long-time engineering career with the N.C. Highway Department and several consulting engineering and construction firms for which he worked.
"Photographing construction projects in the field became a big help at the office," Looper said.
A graduate of NC State with a degree in civil engineering, Looper said he enjoyed his career, but used photography on the side as a relaxation measure.
"I'm an intense person, and photography allowed me to switch from the stressfulness of engineering to a more relaxing intensity," Looper said.
Photography has stayed with Looper through a career change from engineering to ministerial work and on to retirement years.
In his booth at VHAC, Looper displays his recent work as signed and matted enlargements of lighthouses, flower scenery and nature close-ups, as well as woodland streams, local mountain landscapes and wildlife.
"I enjoy taking pictures of friends and family, but nature's wonders more frequently catch my eye," Looper said.
In addition to Dan's photography prints at VHAC, his wife, Dr. Pat Looper, makes and sells all occasion greeting cards using her husband's prints and her own original verse.
"Many of Dr. Looper's cards have inspirational writings inside them," said VHAC member Blaka Abee. "That's not surprising since the couple have each served in clergy work," Abee added.
The Loopers live at Grace Ridge, and although they both are technically retired from the ministry, Dan is a volunteer chaplain at Grace Hospital and Pat preaches each quarter in the Chapel at Grace Ridge and for area preachers who are ill or on vacation.
Dan and Pat have similar hobbies, but they each enjoy separate hobbies as well.
Pat is an avid reader, bridge player and writer. She also designs and sells large print bridge score cards at VHAC. She said that in the future, she may teach a beginner's bridge class at the Art Center if there is enough interest.
Dan is a passionate golfer.
"Weather permitting, I try to walk nine holes at a local golf course at least three times a week," Dan said. "My order of priorities is God, family and golf," he added.
The couple also enjoys a large family of four sons, two daughters and 18 grandchildren.

Photographer, engineer, clergy joins Valdese Arts Co-op

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