On a tour of scenic sites across the South, photographer Brett Anthony Martelli will bring his camera and talent to downtown Texarkana on Sunday to highlight the Four States Auto Museum and the Ace of Clubs House.
Mickie Null, a local teacher, helped coordinate the tour. Her daughter, Eden Wood, is a model who's touring with Martelli.
"This is Martelli's first extensive Southern photo tour," Null said. "He has shot at a few locations in the South before, such as Mobile, Ala., but this is the first time he has gone on an extensive tour of scenic locations down south."
When they began planning the tour, Texarkana drew their attention. Null and Wood have roots here, and some of the other models are from this region, so when Texarkana suggested itself, they contacted Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana, to make arrangements and lock in locations for the shoot.
"Martelli works out of New York. That's the environment he's in most of the time, so the Southern tour has been extensive," Null said. "We've been hitting several locations to get a full spread of the Southern flavor, and we look forward to the tour coming to Texarkana."
Martelli is also looking for local talent to get involved.
"The exciting thing about this tour is that we are open to discovering talent along the way. We've had talent find careers in these events, and that is very much a possibility here," Null said.
The shoot begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the auto museum, 217 Laurel St., on the Arkansas side.
"The models will be working with several classic cars to help set the stage," Null said.
At 2 p.m., the second shoot begins at the historic Ace of Clubs House, 420 Pine St., on the Texas side.
"When we say that new talent can get discovered here, we are serious," Null said. "We are bringing a team of models with us, but we are opening the event to anyone who wants to give it a try. Send an email to [email protected] by noon this Saturday. The turnaround is quick on this, so if you are interested in participating, get back to us quickly."